Rly into these new Wet n Wild Megalast Liquid Lip Colors!!! Bought a few today — SUPER pigmented, a nice color selection, cheap ($2.99) with doe foot applicator. It looks like a gloss but it’s a liquid lip color and dries into a very pigmented stain (think of the MUFE Aqua Rouge). You certainly need well moisturized lips before applying or else it will look super flaky. Definitely pick some up.  I’m wearing Back to the Fuschia. High-res

Rly into these new Wet n Wild Megalast Liquid Lip Colors!!! Bought a few today — SUPER pigmented, a nice color selection, cheap ($2.99) with doe foot applicator. It looks like a gloss but it’s a liquid lip color and dries into a very pigmented stain (think of the MUFE Aqua Rouge). You certainly need well moisturized lips before applying or else it will look super flaky. Definitely pick some up. 

I’m wearing Back to the Fuschia.

I'm coming over to new york from the uk next week and was wondering if there were any drugstore brands/products I should def check out? Feeling pretty overwhelmed by the amount of stuff on offer! Thank you in advance you are both angels xo

Asked by
ro-zap

Sure thing! It depends on what drugstore you’re in, if you can get to an ULTA while you’re visiting, definitely go there because there will be more brand selection from both drugstore to luxury brands and they’ll have harder to locate products. Keep an eye out for NYX, Milani, Wet n’ Wild, Revlon and Maybelline specifically. Here are some products we’re both way into right now: 

Eyes Wise: The drugstore creem eyeshadows are definitely interesting — pick up some L’Oreal ones, and try out Wet n’ Wild 6-pan eyeshadow palettes, too. Wet n’ Wild also has great, cheap liquid eyeliner, as does Milani. And L’Oreal has some great mascaras. 

Cheek Wise: Skipping foundation because neither of us are fans of any drugstore base makeup products at the moment (our faces, unfortunately, break out whenever we try any new formulations from the drugstore…). However, there are plenty of nice blushes and bronzers. Keep an eye out for Maybelline Limited Edition Baked Blushes and grab ‘em if you can, and if you see a NYX stand — definitely grab up some blushes. 

Lips Wise: There are so many great drugstore lipsticks out right now, really you’d be hard pressed to find a poor formulation. I find myself most loyal to Revlon colors, but Wet n’ Wild has stepped up their lipstick game too, and there are a bunch of new Maybelline colors released because of summer. So honestly, try out whatever you want!! I Here are some of our longtime favorites. 

Other shenanigans: Here are other random stuff that you should be on the lookout for — all are favorites, comparable to high end counterparts. 
Whew! Hope that helped!  Have a nice visit in the U.S.A my friend. 

do you have any recommendations for a white eyeliner (either liquid/gel/cream eyeliner)? bonus if it's long-lasting/oily-lid resistant, thanks!

Asked by
chougaze

I think Illamasqua’s Precision Ink is your best bet, it’s fabulous. Temptalia has a list of several pencil ones if you’re interested in those. Budget friendly wise, Sephora has it’s own white pencil, but I can’t speak for the quality. 

A Guide to Eye Primers

fringe-upon-fringe asked: Hi! I was just wondering if you had any suggestions about eye primers? Are certain primers better to prevent eyeshadow creasing and others for eyeliner smudging? Is there anything in particular to look for in different formulas?
Oh man, such good questions!!! Ok, I’ll break it down for you, and make this rebloggable for others. I’m including affiliate links to the stuff I’m mentioning but read my reviews and decide for yourself which you like.

This is going to be a super in depth post including recommendations, so I’m putting it under the cut:
Some are better for different skin types, for example, people who like Urban Decay Primer Potion, might not like Too Faced Shadow Insurance, and vice versa. Also, some have pigmentation and are more of a sticky pigmented base color than a clear primer, and so you want to take that into consideration as to how you want it to impact the rest of your eye makeup.
There are a few different formulations to UDPP, as in, they all technically do the same thing, but the original formulation is a sheer, pale color and the others are more pigmented, either shimmery or matte. This will impact whatever shadows you choose to apply over them, whereas the original formulation won’t. Some people with darker skintones find the original formulation looks chalky and use the darker colors.

If you wanted to use glitter, you probably wouldn’t want to prime with either of those, rather the Glitter Glue Eyeshadow Primer. It’s a very tacky, thick primer, not like UDPP or the NARS primer. I would not use this one for anything but glitter glue, because it’s so tacky applying shadow or liner over it would probably be a hassle. Your eyelid could probably get caught if you were blinking mid application and mess up your makeup, this stuff is so tacky. It’s great though. Now onto drugstore recommendations and our favorites.

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Darling Arabelle, any recs for a leave-in conditioner?

Asked by
myrtie-g-snyder

  1. My favorite one has been from the Yes To line, mine for years has been the Yes to Cucumbers one but it’s been reformulated into the Yes to Carrots line, and now it has Argan Oil. Here ya go. 
  2. Aussie Leave-in Conditioner $3.19 - Most affordable one. 3-Minute Miracle is a great hair mask also. 
  3. Bumble & Bumble Leave-in Conditioner is so so popular for good reason — it’s moisturizing, light-weight, and smells great. 

Since my hair is freshly cut and pretty healthy since I’m growing it out, I have stopped really using leave-in’s and have used only hair serums on the ends. Right now I’m using the John Freida one. Hope that helps! 

Scentheads: Favorite Perfumes

Kind of been neglecting my internet duties (aka every job I have, MY BAD, EDITORS) for a well deserved spring break but I have not forsaken you, my cute, well lacquered darlings. In fact when I got home today at 1am I decided to sit right down and tell you all about my new obsession with perfumes. I am now a perfumehead. I live and breathe for signature scents. It’s terrible — like I need another pricey obsession, like lipstick, lingerie, leather jackets and vintage clothing weren’t enough cash sucks. No matter. I want to share with you my favorite scents! Note none of these were given to me, I purchase all my perfumes with my own money, though these are affiliate links. Of course, you don’t have to use them. 

Details on each one — the base notes, head, heart, price etc after the jump.

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This amazing product has saved the life of my makeup brushes - Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Pure Castile Soap in Almond makes my brushes beautiful and clean and oh so soft. It doesn’t leave a residue on my makeup brushes either which is wonderful. I use this when I deep clean my brushes (hypothetically) once a week. It’s a concentrated soap, so you dilute it in water, and a couple drops go a very long way. For a relatively cheap way to clean your brushes, I definitely recommend this. Or Parian Spirit, seen in one of Arabelle’s recent pictures of part of her makeup brush collection.  Do you clean your brushes - the answer should be yes clean them semi-frequently okay.What do you use to clean your brushes? High-res

This amazing product has saved the life of my makeup brushes - Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Pure Castile Soap in Almond makes my brushes beautiful and clean and oh so soft. It doesn’t leave a residue on my makeup brushes either which is wonderful. I use this when I deep clean my brushes (hypothetically) once a week. It’s a concentrated soap, so you dilute it in water, and a couple drops go a very long way. For a relatively cheap way to clean your brushes, I definitely recommend this. Or Parian Spirit, seen in one of Arabelle’s recent pictures of part of her makeup brush collection. 

Do you clean your brushes - the answer should be yes clean them semi-frequently okay.What do you use to clean your brushes?

I was scrolling through your nail tag, and I was wondering if you had any reviews for products that would help me. My nails are super flaky and not that strong, but I want to "grow them out", and their constant breaking is a pain in my ass. Got anything that would help? Thanks. :)

Asked by
achesville-deactivated20130508

Hi! Sorry we didn’t get to this sooner. I am not a nail art fiend but I am quite obsessive about finding good top coats and base coats and consulted with some manicurists and nail fiends on their favorites. We came up with common favorites so here they are:

The OPI Nail Strengthener is kind of pricey but I think it will save your nails. I change my nail polish every five or six days (I cannot abide chipped nails, I am 100% not about that life) and that constant change can weaken the nails if you’re not maintaining them. This is a great base coat, and will prevent flaking. 

If that is too pricey for you — understandable — the Sally Hansen option is nice too. It should be available in any drugstore and there are usually always coupons floating around for Sally Hansen products too, so you should be able to get a deal on it if you are USA-based.

I also included two other products — Seche Vite and QTICA 1/2 Polish Drying Accelerator. I was introduced to both through nail technicians during beauty events (not sponsored by these brands, these were the salon technician’s personal faves when I asked). QTICA will legit dry your nails in like, less than a minute. I usually paint my nails before bed and if I don’t use a drying accelerator my nails would just be messed up when I wake up. But this! It’s magic! QTICA has a great topcoat too, but I think Seche Vite is glossier.

Ok, I hope that helps! We have a bunch of followers who are undoubtedly nail art geniuses - what are your favorites? Leave a comment or respond to this question, I’d love your recommendations too.

Arabelle’s January Favorites  Lots of products to review, so here are some new ones by way of a monthly favorites post. (Here’s the last monthly favorites one — you’ll see some old faces).  Jane Iredale Triple Pearl Powder Finishing Powder* ($68) - It’s probably the best setting powder I’ve ever used, it really blends in any imperfections and smooths, I’ve been using it for a few weeks and it has delivered all it promises for me. I don’t have to touch up throughout the day either. Packaging is kind of bulky but I guess that is also ‘luxurious’. I’d rather have something travel appropriate, personally.  Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette* ($27) - I have been waiting for this product ever since the Naked came out because I love matte shadows and personally, for my super fair skin, this is great, compact, and so worth the price. The colors blend out well, are pigmented and not as chalky as some UD shadows can sometimes be. Love. These would look chalky and unnatural on medium to dark skin though. Also, the palette is kind of hard to open but maybe that is just me.  Benefit High Beam ($26) - Previously reviewed here. Zoya Nail Polish in Song ($8) - Swatch and discussion to be posted a few posts before this, go check it out. NARS Danmari Palette (LE/DC) - I love orgasms and also Orgasm. (this is my blog i’ll be inappropriate if I wanna) Urban Decay Setting Spray* ($29) - I have been using the Cooling/Hydrating formulation the most because I have dry skin and I think it does help, but the Long-Lasting formulation is definitely the best and practically cements my makeup into place.  Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer in Fair/Light ($39) - Best under-eye concealer I’ve tried. It’s heavy enough to use on acne and scarring too, and doesn’t get wrinkly or cakey or whatever. You need very little of it as well.  K- Palette Real Lasting Waterproof 24h Eyeliner ($15.70) - This has the thinnest brush. The thinnest. It’s also super super black and does not budge.  MAC Violetta ($15) - On me, this is like a ‘natural’ lip color because it perfectly, and I mean perfectly, matches my hair color. I’ve grown bored of my usual purples (Belladonna, Kontrol) but this breathes new life into the color for me.  INGLOT 545 AMC Lip Gloss ($16) - Paraben free & not tested on animals if you didn’t know (and if you care). I don’t really wear lip gloss very often but this is soooo pretty and you can actually see the duo on your lips, it’s really pigmented and strange and lovely.  Dermablend Quick-Fix Concealer ($23) - I actually ran out of the tube I had of this. Like I ended up scraping the very last bits of it out. I have never hit pan so thoroughly on a product before and before I even hit pan I ordered 2 more backups because this is my Holy Grail Concealer. If I could only limit my makeup collection to like 3 things this would be one of them.  Disclaimer: * = provided for editorial consideration by the brand. This doesn’t mean I was obligated to blog about them & certainly doesn’t mean I am obligated to be nice and fawn over these products! Check out our disclosure policy here. High-res

Arabelle’s January Favorites 

Lots of products to review, so here are some new ones by way of a monthly favorites post. (Here’s the last monthly favorites one — you’ll see some old faces). 

  1. Jane Iredale Triple Pearl Powder Finishing Powder* ($68) - It’s probably the best setting powder I’ve ever used, it really blends in any imperfections and smooths, I’ve been using it for a few weeks and it has delivered all it promises for me. I don’t have to touch up throughout the day either. Packaging is kind of bulky but I guess that is also ‘luxurious’. I’d rather have something travel appropriate, personally. 
  2. Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette* ($27) - I have been waiting for this product ever since the Naked came out because I love matte shadows and personally, for my super fair skin, this is great, compact, and so worth the price. The colors blend out well, are pigmented and not as chalky as some UD shadows can sometimes be. Love. These would look chalky and unnatural on medium to dark skin though. Also, the palette is kind of hard to open but maybe that is just me. 
  3. Benefit High Beam ($26) - Previously reviewed here.
  4. Zoya Nail Polish in Song ($8) - Swatch and discussion to be posted a few posts before this, go check it out.
  5. NARS Danmari Palette (LE/DC) - I love orgasms and also Orgasm. (this is my blog i’ll be inappropriate if I wanna)
  6. Urban Decay Setting Spray* ($29) - I have been using the Cooling/Hydrating formulation the most because I have dry skin and I think it does help, but the Long-Lasting formulation is definitely the best and practically cements my makeup into place. 
  7. Eve Pearl Salmon Concealer in Fair/Light ($39) - Best under-eye concealer I’ve tried. It’s heavy enough to use on acne and scarring too, and doesn’t get wrinkly or cakey or whatever. You need very little of it as well. 
  8. K- Palette Real Lasting Waterproof 24h Eyeliner ($15.70) - This has the thinnest brush. The thinnest. It’s also super super black and does not budge. 
  9. MAC Violetta ($15) - On me, this is like a ‘natural’ lip color because it perfectly, and I mean perfectly, matches my hair color. I’ve grown bored of my usual purples (Belladonna, Kontrol) but this breathes new life into the color for me. 
  10. INGLOT 545 AMC Lip Gloss ($16) - Paraben free & not tested on animals if you didn’t know (and if you care). I don’t really wear lip gloss very often but this is soooo pretty and you can actually see the duo on your lips, it’s really pigmented and strange and lovely. 
  11. Dermablend Quick-Fix Concealer ($23) - I actually ran out of the tube I had of this. Like I ended up scraping the very last bits of it out. I have never hit pan so thoroughly on a product before and before I even hit pan I ordered 2 more backups because this is my Holy Grail Concealer. If I could only limit my makeup collection to like 3 things this would be one of them. 

Disclaimer: * = provided for editorial consideration by the brand. This doesn’t mean I was obligated to blog about them & certainly doesn’t mean I am obligated to be nice and fawn over these products! Check out our disclosure policy here.