NYC Best of Broadway IndividualEyes Custom Compact Review and Look

The NYC Individualeyes Custom Compact is a fairly new product from New York Color that is designed to work with your eye color and create an individual look. There are 8 different color combinations to choose from that enhance the look of green, blue and brown eyes. 4 of the palettes have names referencing popular NY hot spots, like Union Square and Soho Grand, and the other four offer a more smoked-out look and have names that are very simple, such as Smokey Charcoal and Smokey Greens. The pallettes can be purchased at CVS for about $4.99 - $5.49 depending on where you live (The CVS in my area always is always higher priced -gotta hate it love it!)

Best of Broadway

On the NYC website, it states that this "all-in-one compact has everything you need for a complete look: primer, illuminator, applicator and complementing shadows. With four colors specially coordinated to intensify and enhance your eye color, you can create a look as individual as you are."

I purchased the palette named Best of Broadway, which is a bronze-based palette. On the package it says that these shades are best suited for brown eyes, but I really liked the shades and found them very fall appropriate, so I decided to see how they work with green eyes.

The compact comes with a plastic cover that indicates what each shade/ product is used for, as well as a diagram on the back to act as a guide,  so if you are new to the whole eye-makeup thing you know what color goes where.

                               

The palette comes with 4 shadows: a shimmery cream, a yellow gold, a coppery bronze, and a  muddy brown (which is the only matte shade). 

The gold and bronze shades have the best pigmentation of the bunch, but all three shimmer shades feel soft and apply smoothly. The matte brown is pretty chalky, and it takes a few extra swipes to achieve a decent color payoff. 

The compact also comes with two cream products: a base, and an illuminator.

The base is a light/medium skin tone and is similar in texture to a cream concealer. The illuminator is a pearly white shade, and is rather thin feeling and slightly greasy. They both have fairly good pigmentation. 

L-R: base and illuminator

If you have normal-to-dry eyelids, the primer included in the compact might work for you; but if your lids tend to be more oily, like mine, stay clear! The first time I tried this shadow, I used the included base, and - DISASTER! -  all the shadow was gone from my eyelid within two hours!! Let me repeat: TWO HOURS!!! Yeah, it was a bad day...  However, when I used my Too Faced Shadow Insurance, I had much better results and the shadow stayed in place for most of the day (I'll count that as a win!).

I did experience some fall-out while applying the shadow, which is to be expected, but it wasn't terrible. I enjoyed the shimmery shades - they apply fairly well and blend out nicely. As for the matte brown, I am simply not a fan- it was patchy and did not blend out well, creating an unattractive muddy look. I found that, as long as I did not try to add too much matte brown to the equation, I could achieve a respectable eye look with this compact.

For this look, I first applied Milani Bella Eyes in Bella Cafe to the crease. Using the NYC Individualeyes Custom Compact in Best of Broadway, I added the gold shade to the inner half of the lid and the bronze shade to the outer half, keeping the shadow under the crease. Using a small crease brush, I added a little bit of the matte brown to the outer v, blending it up into the crease. I used the pearly cream shade under the brow  and on the inner corners as a highlight.  With a pencil brush, I applied the bronze shade to the outer lower lashline and the gold to the inner lower lash line, blending the two in the center. I used Stila Smudge Stick in Damsel to line my top lashline, and finished things off with two coats of MUFE Smoky Extravagant Mascara in Black.

On the rest of my face, I have Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in the shade 2N1, NYC Smooth Skin Bronzer in the shade Sunny,  Tarte Amazonian Clay Brow Mousse in Taupe,  Elizabeth Mott Tints & Sass in Cherry and Mary Kay Translucent Loose Powder.

To be honest, I feel rather lukewarm about the NYC Individualeyes Custom Compact. The colors are really pretty, and they swatch well enough, but when you apply them to the eyelid they just don't come off as pigmented, and they are hard to blend. For a makeup beginner, or someone who likes a more muted look, this would be a great palette to pick up. I really like how the compact includes a diagram and labels to show a new user how and where to apply the shadows. The price point is fantastic, and the quality is not bad for the price. I did not like the base or the illuminator, but I think that mostly has to do with the fact that I have oily skin and the products did not stay in place; if you have drier lids these products might work better for you. As for making your eyes "pop", I picked a palette that is intended for another eye color, so I can not give an opinion on this except for stating the obvious: it did nothing special for my green eyes (surprise!). I'd be curious to see how the palette designed for green eyes works, and I may purchase Smokey Greens  just to see (if I do, I will let you know my thoughts).  Overall, I think that you get your money's worth from this $5 compact; as long as you don't expect champagne quality from this beer-budget product, you will be happy with it.

Have you tried any of the NYC Individualeyes Custom Compacts? If so, did you use a combo created for your eye color, and did it help to emphasize your eyes? What are your thoughts on the product overall?

~Jessica

Battle of the Boxes, September 2014 : Ipsy vs Birchbox

Welcome to the Battle of the Boxes, a comparison of two subscription boxes resulting in one of them being named the champion of the month (based solely on my opinion)!  The opponents may vary from month to month, but they will always be in the same price and content range.  In the ring for the September 2014 edition , we have Birchbox and Ipsy. Both are beauty subscription boxes that cost $10/ month and are made up of various beauty products, from makeup and skincare to hair products and body creams. Shall we compare the two and see which one comes out victorious??

First up, Birchbox:

Birchbox is a monthly subscription service that costs $10/mo and provides you with 4-6 samples hand-picked for you and delivered right to your mailbox! When you subscribe to the service, you fill out a questionnaire that helps them pick items suited to your needs and style. This is one of the original subscription boxes, and it has one of the best points systems: for every 100 points earned, you get $10 to spend in their shop. It's easy to earn points through reviewing the products received, shopping in their store and referring friends!

They usually have several different themes for the boxes each month, and the one I received was  "Wet Paint"; each box includes a card with a description of each item in the box, as well as the cost for the full sized item. The items I received were:

                                


Pixie She Butter Lip Balm in Honey Nectar - Full sized product, $8 value.
I've been wearing this lip balm every day since I got it; it is super moisturizing, it has a nice sweet scent and a barely-there color which makes it perfect for daily use. It is my first Pixi product, and it makes me want to try other items from this brand.

Davines OI/ Oil Absolute Beautifying Potion - 1.69 ounces, $17 value (Bonus OI/Shampoo and OI/Conditioner included, a $2.75 value)

I am a big fan of the Davines line of haircare products - I have received several samples, and I have loved them all! I would definitely purchase them, if I wanted to spend the money ever run out of samples! The Davines OI/ Oil Absolute Beautifying Potion is rather pricey - the full sized product is $41 for 4 ounces, so this 1.69 ounce sample is a great product to receive!

Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm - .2 ounces, $5 value

The name is quite a mouthful - try to say it 3 times fast! This product seems to only come in one shade, and it is a little light for my end-of-summer tanned skin, but it should work for me as the tan fades. I'm always on the lookout for a BB Cream to use on my casual, no-makeup-look days, so we'll give this a go and see if it's my next favorite thing. 

Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream  - .1 ounce, $1.25 value

This product is just "meh" for me. Plain skin cream does not make me happy, especially when it is such a puny sized sample that I cant't even apply it to my body more than once. SMH.  

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser Mini Starter Kit - 1 ounce, $7.50 value

This was my Birchbox "pick your own item" choice, and I am so happy with it! I had heard of this cleanser before, but never really thought of trying it until now, and I must say I am hooked and will be purchasing the full size!

This box has a total value of about $41.50, which - for a $10  subscription - is pretty awesome! While only one item is full sized (the Pixi lip balm), I feel that(with the exception of the Yu-Be Cream), the deluxe sized samples will last me awhile and really give me the chance to try out the products. 

Next up, Ipsy:

Ipsy is a monthly beauty and makeup subscription that contains full or deluxe sized products, all packed into a cute makeup bag that suits the theme for that month. Like Birchbox, it costs $10/month, and the items vary from bag to bag based on your beauty profile. You can earn points by reviewing the products you receive and making referrals, and those points can be redeemed for select items when you reach 500 or 1000 points.

Ipsy's theme for September was "Street Style"; unlike Birchbox, Ipsy does not include a card with the description and value of each item.

NYX Hot Singles Eyeshadow in the shade Arrogance - Full sized product! $4.50 value.
This shade is described as a violet smoke; it's really pretty, and I can't wait to create a fun purple smokey eye with it!

 

 

Crown Brush Deluxe Infinity Shadow/Crease Duet - Reg. $17.50, currently on sale for $6.99.
This is a great brush to have as it is a multitasker, and the bristles are nice and soft; I will be adding this to my travel bag!

Hikari Lipstick in the shade Cabernet - Full sized product, $13 value.
I'm loving this wine shade right now - perfect for fall!

Pacifica Natural waterproof Eye Pencil in Fringe - .026 ounces, $3
It is is nice to receive a product that is both vegan and cruelty free, with no phthalates, parabens or petroleum. Fringe is a coffee brown shade, which is neutral and easy to wear.

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Mask - 1 ounce, $5 value.
Not the most thrilling item in the bag, but I am interested to see if it does anything for my recovering, over-processed hair.

This bag had an overall value of about $37.50, which is pretty good considering that it costs $10 to purchase! This bag contained 3 full sized items, and 2 deluxe sized samples. I am very pleased with 4 of the 5 items, and the fifth (the conditioner) is still an item I will use, so for me this is a win!

It was a stiff competition this month, as both bags had a lot of items I will use, and many of the products were full sized; however I think that, after comparing the two subscriptions, for me the winner of the September 2014 Battle of the Boxes is: BIRCHBOX! Were you surprised? I am, because normally I would go for the box that has more makeup items, however I just love the Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser, the Pixi Lip Balm, and the Davines hair products! These are items I will use daily until the samples run out, and then I will purchase the full sized products. Great job Birchbox!

Interested in trying out one of these subscriptions for yourself? Follow this link for Birchbox, or this one for Ipsy. 

Do you subscribe to either beauty box? If so, did you have a favorite this month?

~Jessica

Disclosure: this post includes referral links

So Fresh and so Clean: DIY Daily Brush Cleaner!

Let's talk makeup brushes: they are a necessity for an expertly applied face, but they can be a PITA to keep clean! Cleaning your brushes is an absolute must; it removes old makeup and skin cells so your application of blush, bronzer and eye shadow stays true to color, it kills harmful bacteria that breeds in the bristles, and it conditions the hair - real or synthetic - to keep your brushes soft and help them last longer.  While I try to give my brushes regular baths to keep them in tip-top shape, it doesn't always happen as often as it should... which is why I use a daily brush cleaner to help in between deep-cleansing.

MUFE Instant Brush Cleaner, $19.00

If you are in search of a good daily brush cleaner, the options are endless. Brush cleaners range in price, from high-end to extremely affordable, and you can purchase them at any number of retailers, from Sephora and Ulta to Target and CVS, or through numerous online retailers.

E.L.F. Daily Brush Cleaner, $3.00

For awhile, I would purchase my daily brush cleaner...however, I was going through it pretty quickly considering I spot clean between 5 and 10 brushes a day, sometimes more. A bottle of cleaner would last me 2 to 3 weeks at most, and at $19 a pop it was getting pricey. Sure, the E.L.F cleaner is a lot more affordable at $3 a bottle, but I realized that I could save myself a ton of money by making my own daily brush cleaner. Many of the products on the market have two major ingredients: alcohol and water. Ummm...why are we paying so much for a name brand again?

The brushes I use regularly need to be kept clean

I began to research recipes, and while there are many recipes out there that use a variety of ingredients from olive oil to dish soap, I prefer the simple approach: 

3 easy steps, 3 products, one spray bottle. 

Keep your brushes clean with alcohol, essential oil and water

Step One: Add Alcohol

Fill spray bottle (I use a small bottle, but any size will do) about halfway with alcohol. I use 91% Isopropyl alcohol, which can be found at any drugstore for around $2.00. You can also use a lesser percentage, but I feel that more bacteria is eradicated and the brushes dry faster using 91%. 

Step 2: Add essential oil

Add 5-10 drops of essential oil of your choosing. I prefer lavender because I enjoy the calming scent, but you can use peppermint, jasmine, orange etc. This 1 ounce bottle ran me a little over $5.00 on Amazon, and it will last me for quite awhile. The oil not only takes away from the harsh smell of the alcohol, but also helps soften the brushes and prevents them from drying out... and adds a spa-like aura to your makeup routine!

Step 3: Add water and shake

Fill the rest of the bottle up with water and shake well. You can use distilled water - it's actually best to use it if you have hard water to prevent deposits and build up - but since I use tap water to wash my brushes and I'm a little lazy  I prefer to keep things simple,

 I just fill it up with water from my sink. 

Spray away!

After applying makeup, spray your dirty brushes generously; I use 3-10 sprays depending on the size of the brush and the product used (more for liquid foundation on a large brush, less for a small brush used for powdered eye shadow)

Wipe off that gunk!

Wipe the brush on a paper towel until it is clean (no more product comes off). You can do this once you are done applying all of your makeup, or in between applying each product (the way I do it). If you like to use the same brush to apply several products, you can lightly clean the brush in between each item used, as it will dry quickly because of the alcohol. 

Ahh - so fresh and so clean!

Once all your brushes are clean you can put them away. 

You are good to go for the next use!

Remember, this does not replace regular cleanings with soap and water! 

Using a daily brush cleaner removes surface product, keeping your color application

 true (no more muddy blush!) and preventing bacterial build up; however, you still must wash your brushes thoroughly every couple of weeks (more or less, depending on your makeup use)! Thoroughly cleaning brushes removes deep down buildup and grime that you can't see, keeping your brushes in great shape so they can continue to help 

you look your best for years to come.  

Do you clean your brushes daily? If so, what products do you like to use?

Thanks for reading! Until next time, 

~Jessica

Adore or Ignore: Laura Geller Cool Lids Eyeshadow in Silver Sands

Hi Lovelies!

In my August Birchbox I was given the opportunity to pick one of four products to receive; I chose the Laura Geller Beauty Cool Lids Cream Eyeshadow in the shade Silver Sands. You can purchase this product for $19 through Birchbox and Laura Geller, or in store or online at Ulta.

Laura Geller Cool Lids Eyeshadow, $19

I was very much looking forward to trying this eyeshadow, as I had heard many great things about it, and it looked like a very pretty color. According to the website, Laura Geller Cool Lids "captures the alluring beauty of the sea" in a "lightweight cream formula that deposits water-rich color in neutral, ocean-inspired shades". The formula is said to "cool on contact and dry to a transfer-proof, shimmering wet-look finish."

The product comes in six shades: Silver sands, Mermaid Marine, Lavender Lagoon, Bronze Beauty, Rose Gold Goddess and Opal Oyster.

Swatch of Silver Sands

The products applies easily with just your fingertips, it is slightly cooling and does dry down to a "shimmering wet-look finish"; however, it is quite sheer. To achieve a look of even slight opacity, I had to apply several layers of the shadow, and it still wasn't very pigmented. It is a very pretty color, and I was happy with the final outcome, however I prefer a cream shadow that provides rich color with less product.

Two layers of cream shadow

Final look, with 3 layers of product

For this look, I kept it very simple by using Milani Bella Eyes in the color Bella Caffe in my crease, Laura Geller Beauty Cool Lids Cream Eyeshadow in the shade Silver Sands patted onto my lids, and Milani Bella Eyes in Bella Ivory on my browbone and inner corners. I applied  Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner in black on my upper lids, winging it out, and finished things off with 2 coats of MUFE Smoky Extravagant Mascara in black. 

On the rest of my face, I have Avon Smooth Minerals  powder foundation in Nude and Transparent Glow, Milani Bronzer XL in Fake Tan, NYX Powder Blush in Pinched, with  L'Oreal Colour Rich Collection Exclusive in Jennifer's Nude on my lips.

As for the claim of being "transfer-proof", I must say the the eyeshadow held up fairly well, as can be seen in the pictures below which were taking after a full work day followed by pilates class. No creasing, and -for what it's worth - the color is still there! For that, I am very impressed!

After an 8 hour work day...

...and an hour of pilates!

Despite its ability to stay in place without smudging or creasing for 10 hours, this product still doesn't WOW me. Perhaps a deeper color would make me a believer, but for the color payoff I got from Silver Sands, I just don't think that this particular cream shadow is worth the $19 price tag. I have seen better pigmentation and similar wear-time from Maybelline Color Tattoo, which for a fraction of the price - $7.00 -  has a much larger shade selection and performs just as well.

So, what is my final verdict for Laura Geller Beauty Cool Lids Cream Eyeshadow?  It's my opinion that you won't be missing out on anything spectacular, so feel free to Ignore!

Have you tried this product? if so, what was your experience?

~Jessica