Product Review: Kat Von D Shade + Light Eye Contour Palette

Today I want to talk about the Kat Von D Shade + Light Eye Contour Palette. This debuted earlier this year and has become a cult favorite among a lot of makeup lovers. You can find this through Sephora (and I hear on QVC now) for about 46.00 which can be pretty pricey, but the value of this palette is worth it.

I need to start by saying I am obsessed with this perfect mix of colors. It's one that I think is a staple for any makeup lover because of the versatility of the colors and combinations. I use it for light every day looks and then again for smokey night looks.

There are three sections of colors from left to right: Neutral, Cool, Warm. In each quadrant has a base color, lid, crease, and highlight. It makes it easy to put together a simple light look, or a dark eye. I usually mix and match, I tend to stay toward neutral and warm, but I love the cool top base color. All of these eye shades are a smooth and buttery consistancy, providing a TON of pigment so use a light hand for the darker colors. With that said though, I can see this palette lasting for so long because I am barely tapping my brush on these to achieve awesome results. 

The box comes with information on all of the shade names and even color combination ideas for different eye looks. I love that, it's so helpful. One of the best parts about this palette is that you can play around and create some really awesome looks.

I love love love this palette, and if you wear a lot of these colors you need this in your life. It's fun to experiment with and makes me super interested into trying Kat Von D's other palettes and beauty products.

For more info on Kat Von D Beauty Click here.

DIY Facial Mask: Bentonite Clay + Apple Cider Vinegar

I love making my own beauty products. The most important reason is because the ingredients are all natural, and they're also usually cheaper than buying a mask at the store. This mask that i'll show you how to make only uses two ingredients. Super simple to make yourself a fresh mask that works better than one you would get at a spa or from a jar.

What is it?

This mask is a seriously deep cleansing mask that wipes out dirt and oil from our pores using Calcium Bentonite Clay. Clay acts like a magnet to draw out all the junk and leave your skin fresh and clean. 

What's inside?

Like I mentioned this mask includes only two ingredients:

Aztec Secret: Indian Healing Clay
100% Natural Calcium Bentonite Clay

Dry powder inside the tub, mostly odorless. I find mine on Amazon for about 8.00 for a whole pound, which will last me a long time.

Apple Cider Vinegar. I used this kind from walmart, which I found in my pantry. It is definitely better to use organic because it is unpasteurized and still has all of the beneficial vitamins and minerals from organic vinegar. A lot of people wouldn't expect that apple cider vinegar is good for the skin, but it has great anti-bacterial properties which help with acne. It also has malic and lactic acid which help to exfoliate and soften the skin.

You can find apple cider vinegar in any grocery store or if you're buying on amazon, you can order it there too for about 4 dollars. 

How do I make it?

You'll want to add equal parts of dry and wet. I started with dry and slowly added in the apple cider vinegar to make a paste that wasn't too thick.

You'll immediately see a reaction between the two ingredients, causing a ton of bubbles.

This is about how thick my paste was. It will keep bubbling, even as you apply it.

The mask goes on a bright green color, and takes about 4-5 minutes until it becomes really hard. I would suggest leaving it on atleast 10 minutes. Like a lot of clay masks, this one is a little difficult to remove. Take a hot washcloth and lay it over your face to warm it back up, that will help remove it without hurting your skin.

I have pretty sensitive skin so I worry using clay masks, but this one surprisingly didn't leave me feeling red or itchy or tight. My skin felt a lot softer and looked cleaner. I recommend applying a moisturizer after you use it, since the clay can be a little bit drying.

If you DIY a pore cleansing mask it will only run you about 12.00 to start and last you between 6-8 months atleast. Much cheaper than a store-bought mask!

Product Review: Maybelline Color Sensation Lipstick

Looking for a lipstick that is affordable and will last all day? These Maybelline Color Sensation lipsticks are hands down the best bang for your buck. Depending on where you shop they can run you anywhere between 5-6 dollars a pop, which is a bargain compared to other high end lip products. You can find these in any drugstore (cvs, walgreens) or my favorite; target.

They have an assortment of categories for their lipsticks, sorted by colors and finish. Brown, pink, red, nude hues with variations between matte, buff and glossy formulas. Really nice selection for all types of skin tones. These are my favorites that I have so far:

From Left to right: 950 Unwanted Spice (buff) | 940 Touchable Taupe (buff) | 656 Clay Crush (matte) | 515 Coral Crush (vivid)

The buff formulas all provide a nice clean finish to the lips, not too gloss and not too matte. The Matte isn't too drying, which a lot of mattes can be, and the vivid color is a bright and glossy formula. With all the variations, their staying power has been seriously great. I drink and eat and bite at my lips (bad habit) and the formula will come off a little, but lasts without fading through a little wear and tear (like I said, bad habit!).

I highly recommend trying these out if you're looking for a lasting lipstick. Sometimes drugstore lipsticks can be cheap and disposable, but next time you're at target (aka tomorrow) find a color you want to try for fall and buy it! You wont be disappointed.