Nyx Soho Glam #S116 Palatte REVIEW

This palatte is the first NYX product I have ever purchased. I bought it directly from the company at http://www.nyxcosmetics.com. I had a little trouble with my order- my net was running slowly that day and the order went through twice. I contacted them when I realized my error, and they immediately rectified the problem and refunded my account without question. I was very pleased with the customer service, and their shipping/packaging was impeccable.

I was honestly a little skeptical because of the great price, but I'd seen Nyx advertised on a TV show I watch faithfully, and had also heard good things on YouTube, so I figured I'd give it a shot. I am very pleasantly surprised and extremely happy with this makeup!

The shadows are generously pigmented, of a silky consistency, go on easily/smoothly and are very long lasting. I went appx. 10 hours with no significant fading or creasing you'd expect after that amount of time. I used the darkest brown and the dark eggplant as eyeliner put on with an angled brush, and it stayed all day as well. The color assortment is very nice for creating day to day looks as well as some nice evening looks- there are both matte and shimmer shadows included.

The blushes are also highly pigmented on my fair skin- a little goes a long way, and it is fairly long lasting as well, appx 6-8 hours without touch-up. Unfortunately the colors aren't labeled, but the two on the left work great for me.

As far as the lip gloss pots, I really like the color assortment and they go very well with the shadows/blushes. They go on very smoothly and last a considerably good length of time. The tubes didn't last quite as long, as they came off after sipping a straw. (You may want to simply use them over another lipstick or gloss for more shine if you don't mind reapplying or won't be eating/drinking.) The lipliner goes on smoothly, and is long lasting, I'd like to purchase some of their other colors in the future to try.

Bottom Line: I LOVE THIS!!! I am using this palatte exclusively for daily wear now. I will definitely continue to purchase products from this company to try. They offer a variety of palattes, as well as single products- I highly recommend trying them!

Freeman Beauty Masks - REVIEW

I purchased these two Freeman Masks- "Avacado/Oatmeal Clay Mask" and "Cucumber Peel Off Mask" from Walmart on Clearance for $1.50 and $2.50.

I tried both these masks with a friend. We went with the Cucumber Mask first. The trick is to try to get a fairly thin, but smooth and even coat of product on your face. It is a on the sticky side, and you will want to wash your hands thoroughly after application. The packaging suggests 5-10 minutes drying time, but in our trial, we found about 15 minutes to be more accurate. While the mask was drying, there was a very refreshing cooling sensation, which we both noted. While the wet product was a little tricky to get off our hands, the dried product was simple and easy to peel from our faces. Both my friend and I noticed a bit softer skin and noted some dry skin flakes that were removed in the discarded peelings.

Secondly, we tried the wash-off "Avacado and Oatmeal" mask. It comes out of the tube much like old style tooth paste or thick oil paint, but is very easy to apply a thin, even coat on your face. This mask also took a tad longer to dry than suggested on the packaging. We both noticed a slight itching sensation as the mask became fully dry and ready to remove. After washing off the mask, pores were noticably reduced on the bridge of my nose, and the skin did skin feel a bit softer. However, as it implies, it did bring impurities to the surface- in the form of small whiteheads, which can then be treated with spot cream. I would suggest using this product before your evening  shower, as it's easier to remove that way and will give you an opportunity to treat any blemishes brought out overnight.

Bottom Line: Both products do what they are advertised to do. We liked the cooling sensation, dry skin flake removal and smooth skin feeling left after the Cucumber Mask. Definitely recommended as a way to pamper yourself a few times a week. The Avacado and Oatmeal Mask I will most likely use once a week to deep clean and treat any blemishes that arise. 

Finger Paints Nail Polish - REVIEW

I purchased Finger Paints Nail Polish in "Hue Left a Message" (pink glitter) and "Guggen I'm Lime" (green) on Clearance at Sally Beauty Supply for $1.99 each (Original Price- $4.99). The color range available is fairly expansive.

I used the lime solid on a friend. The polish was a tad on the watery side, but went on smoothly and covered in 2 coats. I followed it up with a light brushing of another brand glittery polish and my "Tough Coat" clear top coat as usual. The color looked very nice and was smooth and streak-free when dry.

The polish did not chip at all, but even worse, the color peeled off friend's pinky toe the following day in one solid piece, followed by the pinky finger a few hours later! We were both pretty disappointed. I guess you get what you pay for, perhaps that is exactly why they were on clearance...

Bottom Line: Ok for short term use (a one evening event with little wear and tear on the nails) but definitely not recommended for long term, daily use.

Sinful Colors Nail Polish - REVIEW

I purchased two bottles of Sinful Colors Nail Polish from Walgreens at $1.99 each in colors "Fusion Neon" (pink) and "Nail Junkie" (green/blue glitter). There was a very large color selection, including many fun neon colors and glitters perfect for top coating solids.

I used the pink on myself and used the glittery color over green on a friend. Firstly, the polish is a little on the "watery side" and goes on somewhat streaky. For the glitter overlay on another color, that was completely fine, but as a solo lacquer, it took 3 coats to completely cover, and the dried result was still a tad streaked when viewed closely. I put one coat of "Tough Coat" on top (I always use this product consistantly).

Several hours after using the polish, I was very disappointed to discover that the tips of my nails had already begun to wear after my shower. Three days in, the tips and side edges are visibly chipped, and will have to be redone today.

Bottom line: Good choice for a one evening event if you're looking for an obscure or fun color you may only use a few times, but would not recommend this polish for a daily, extended use product.

Unpacked and Ready for Adventure!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend! I spent it moving and unpacking in my new hometown. I hadn't had an opportunity to really scope out the neighborhood too much until Sunday. There is an older historic part of town with several independent fashion boutiques, salons and cafe/bistros, as well as the new shopping district which has everything and anything you can think of (ex: TJ Maxx, Kohl's, Fashion Bug, Sally Beauty Supply, Walgreens, Michael's Crafts, Hobby Lobby etc etc etc). Within 10 miles there is a zoo, an art museum, a baseball stadium, a historic fort, several parks, a river for fishing or boating... I really like it here so far! Now to find a part-time job and get enrolled in cosmetology school :)

As far as my continuing quest to drop the old tomboy facade, I have been trolling Nyx Cosmetics and am fairly sure I will be ordering their "Nyx Makeup Set Soho Glam Collection #S116" boxed kit. I've heard good things about the products and the prices are very reasonable. There are several different all-inclusive kits to choose from, as well as travel sized eye/lip mini-sets. I will definitely be writing a review on it once it arrives.

I am also on the look-out for a set of brushes. I saw this Face Secrets set at Sally, and the girl working there said she'd heard positive feedback from customers. I figure I will give them a shot. If you happen to have a different suggestion, please comment below!

I am going to pour some iced tea and go sit out on the balcony- it's finally quit raining and is a beautiful, sunny day. Don't forget the sunscreen!

In-Style "Inspired By" Fragrances REVIEW

Up until yesterday, I hadn't owned any fragrances other than the $5 Vanilla mist since college! Over the weekend I'd gone to Kohl's and decided to take a look. I happened upon the Ed Hardy scent and liked it, but didn't have the extra cash to pick it up at the time.

Well, yesterday I needed to pick-up a few small items at Walgreens, and I happened upon the "In Style" line at the end of the skin care aisle. Of course I immediately scoured the shelves for the Ed Hardy immitation and happily, I found one. I was pretty skeptical, but tested it out and find it to be extremely close to the scent I remember from the other day. At only $7.99 compared to $49.99 for the Ed Hardy branded bottle of the same size, I declared it worth the value and purchased!

The scent is long lasting, I can easily smell it 12 hours later.

I would definitely recommend this product. There are several other immitations provided by In Style as well. It's definitely worth a test next time you're shopping for toiletries.

Affordability is Paramount

In these rough economic times, I know it's as important to myself as it is to readers that the products we use be as affordable as they are effective, and the best quality at the lowest price. I've noticed over the past few years that online shopping, and the resulting competitiveness, has actually benefitted the general consumer in my opinion. It's easier than ever to get brands that were once difficult to find, and the availability of products from the international market has made it possible to get items at great prices, thanks to currency exchange rates.

I won't hide it- I'm a very frugal shopper, that is I have the tendency to buy the sale brand, and I love a good bargain. I promise you now, you will never see me using, let alone reviewing, $70 face creams or toting around $250 purses. There are $15 creams out there just as effects as the $70 creams, and $50 handbags that are even more durable than those $250 purses! Also, let's face it, not all of us have the disposable income to make such purchases to begin with...

I hope that my miserly, penny-pinching ways can help my readers keep a little more change in their pocketbooks when it comes to a good deal on beauty products, clothing and accessories. If you come across a bargain, please let me know about it so that I can pass it onto the rest of the readers! Thanks!

About Product Reviews

I would like to say that I am not affiliated with, sponsored by, an employee of or compensated in any way by any of the companies/websites that I will be discussing/reviewing in this blog. I purchased and personally used all products that will be reviewed, and you will get the brutally honest, ugly truth from me both for good and for bad! In some cases, I may get a friend or two in on the act as well, and offer multiple opinions. I am hoping to do at least one review per week.

If you have any suggestions for products I should try and/or review, please feel free to leave comments. In fact, I'd really appreciate the help! Thank you!

What Is The Purpose Of This Blog???

That's an excellent question! Firstly, it's for my own benefit- to keep myself focused and to keep track of my progress. Secondly, it's to share and inspire others who want to make a change!

I plan to include reviews of beauty and fashion websites and products, as well as my own personal insights and thoughts that maybe other people will find helpful. I hope you enjoy my musings and find the products I share with you in the future useful!

How This Transformation Started...

I decided to start this blog to document my journey from life-long tomboy to "diva". I've always been the friend seen wearing rock band t-shirts and jeans. The only time I've been seen in a skirt or dress for the last 10 years are funerals or weddings. Thanks to a series of events and TV shows, I've decided it's time to shed that old, non- condusive image and become the "pretty girl" I didn't think I could ever be!

It all started with watching "What Not To Wear" and coming to the painful realization that they'd have a field day with my old school band t-shirts, baggy jeans and plethora of sneakers. I saw many of the women griping about their weight and body types, and realized "Wow, I shouldn't really be complaining here... I am naturally small boned and at a normal weight for my height..." I saw other tomboyish women looking great with the right clothing choices, which planted the seed...

Next I happened upon "RuPaul's Drag Race". You may wonder- "How would a bunch of drag queens inspire you?". Exactly- they're not natural women and are beautiful! I saw all the effort these entertainers put into their image- cosmetics, proper wardrobe to camoflouge flaws, wigs/extensions. I also realized, the characters these queens have developed for themselves have come from their own vision of what femininity is, so why can't I recreate myself in such a fashion, too?

Final straw- I have some friends I've met online from Asia. I'm considered exceptionally short by American standards and a tad on the thin side for my height, and these friends recommended ordering from companies based in, and making clothing for, the Asian market. I took a look at some of the online catalogs and was amazed to see models built very similarly to myself looking very feminine and cute, without looking silly or like I'm making too much of an effort.

On top of all this, I will be moving away from the area I've lived in all of my life in the near future. What better time to reinvent yourself than in a brand new hometown around brand new potential friends and colleagues? And so, the journey begins...