L'Oreal Butterfly Mascara Review

Hello everyone!

Today I posted a video review/demo on L'Oreal's newest mascara called Lash Out Butterfly. If you are wanting to see a demo/ before & after, head on over to my YouTube channel. Of course, a review is in order since the claims and packaging is very...let's just say gimmicky. I am surprised that I actually do like this mascara and I have been happy with the results.

I haven't noticed any flaking, smudging or clumping with this mascara. I've had mine for a while going back and forth with my feelings. Overall, it's a good mascara that adds volume and length. I am very picky with mascaras and there are only but a few from this brand that I actually like and keep repurchasing.

One coat of Butterfly mascara
without any eyelash primer

Closer look at results

 I love the results :) As you can see, this mascara doesn't clump and it's a nice rich black formula. One thing I do have to mention is that the very first use this formula is slightly wet. I recommend letting is hang out in your mascara stash for a week or two and it'll be perfect.

Outside packaging

The wand is very different. There isn't a drugstore brand mascara that has an applicator like this one. I made the photos larger to showcase the design and bristles. I feel this applicator may look "gimmicky" but it's practical and does work.

View from above where the wand
opens up slightly like butterfly wings

Side profile of open wing side and underside
that is more like a comb.

The underside of this wand is like a standard rubber comb mascara which helps extend the lashes and remove any clumps should they appear.

So overall, I give this mascara 2 thumbs up! L'Oreal did a good job with wand design and formulation. This product can be purchased at any of your local drugstores for right around $8 (prices may vary depending on the store). I hope this quick review was helpful. Let me know if you have any feedback, I'd love to hear from you.

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Thank you for stopping by,

xoxo

~Lexi

Full Face Drugstore Makeup using Makeup Geek Eyeshadows

Hey everyone!

Today I am sharing with you a complete full face makeup look I created a few days ago. I really enjoy the final look and it was super easy to do. I would categorize this look as a wearable everyday makeup with a beautiful pop of color. I used some smokey blues, peaches and rosy mauves tones to pull this eye look off.  Every product I used has a drugstore price tags, which is wonderful. It's always nice finding really good makeup products with affordable prices.  I posted a step by step tutorial on my YouTube beauty channel, so watch it here if you are interested. Below is a list along with photos of the look :) I really hope you like it......

Products Used:
*Avon ever lasting shadow stick in "Sapphire" (this product served as my eyeshadow primer which helped prevent creasing. This particular shade is a deep navy)
*Makeup Geek Eyeshadows: Ocean breeze (deep shimmery navy blue), Peach smoothie (matte peach), Cupcake (matte rosy mauve). These shadows are not available in drugstores but have the drugstore price.....$5.99 for eyeshadow pans or $7.99 for eyeshadow compacts. Website is linked below.
*Loreal Infallible liquid liner in "Black"
*Maybelline the Rocket Volume mascara
*NYX brow stencil kit in "Brunette" (available online, link is below)
*Garnier BB Cream for combo/oily skin in shade "Light/Medium"
*Revlon bronzer in "Bronzed & Chic" (might be discontinued since I found mine at BigLots)
*Milani Baked Matte blush in "Bella Rosa" (bright matte raspberry pink)
*Rimmel London Show off lip lacquer in "Luna" (bright creamy peach)
*Milani Brilliant shine lip gloss in "Coral crush" (bright true coral)


More photos....

 

Makeup Geek Eyeshadows: Ocean breeze applied on lids
Peach smoothie buffed into crease & brow highlight area
Cupcake applied lightly to crease and packed more intensely
on outer V area of crease.

So that's the complete look with a list of everything used. I'm really getting into these Makeup Geek eyeshadows lately and I will for sure do a review/swatch post within the next few weeks. I hope you enjoyed this look as much as I do. If you have any feedback and/or requests, please as always leave them below. Also, while you're visiting my YouTube channel, please Subscribe...it's Free :) 

Visit these websites if you're interested in the makeup used:

Makeup Geek 

NYX 

Milani

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Thank you for stopping by,
xoxo
~Lexi

Everyday Naked 3 Makeup Look

Hello everyone!

I recently posted on YouTube a makeup tutorial using Urban Decay's Naked 3 palette. Yes...I finally purchased it. I was on the fence for a little while but I took the plunge, haha. I wanted to share with you this easy and simple everyday makeup. If you prefer to watch the video, click here.

Here are the photos and step by step guide:

 

1.  Prime your lids to avoid creasing if your oily. Recommendations: Urban Decay original primer potion. LORAC behind the scenes eyeshadow primer. Too Faced shadow insurance.
2.  (following the numbered photo below) Start with #1 eyeshadow called "Strange" and apply it as your brow highlight and inner corner highlight on both upper & lower lash lines. **Strange eyeshadow is a very pale cream with a hint of pink.
3. (following the numbered photo below) Take #2 eyeshadow called "Limit" and #2 eyeshadow called "Nooner" mixed together and apply to your natural crease area with a fluffy crease brush. *Remember to blend any harsh lines as your working along. **Limit eyeshadow is light rosy taupe with matte finish. Nooner eyeshadow is a taupe with a slight plum undertone also with a matte finish. 
4. Taking #3 eyeshadow called "Buzz" apply to lid area using your finger. *Buzz has silver flecks that are prone to fall out, so using your finger to apply helps control the amount of fall out. **Buzz eyeshadow is a metallic pink with silver flecks.
5. Taking #4 eyeshadow called "Factory" apply to the outer V area of the crease for more added depth and definition. (This is an optional step) *Tip- when applying darker shades to the outer V area, use a small pencil style brush for precise application. 
6. Lower lash line: I applied a mixture of all eyeshadows lightly to add some color and I left my lower water blank without liner. I added one coat of mascara to lower lashes. 
7. Upper lash liner: I applied LORAC "Front of the line Pro" liquid liner in black according to my eyeliner style. You can use any type of liner or you can skip liner & add false lashes. 

 

A closer look at the complete eye makeup:

I hope this step by step guide was helpful. I really liked how the look turned out and the colors are really pretty too. If you stop by my channel, please subscribe, it's Free :)

Connect with Me via Twitter & Instagram: @GlamourbyLexi

Thank you for stopping by,

xoxo

~Lexi

Dior Crème Abricot Fortifying Cream for Nails

Hello everyone!


I've decided to share with you a quick review on Dior's fortifying cream that I purchased from Sephora back in November. It's been about 3 1/2 months that I've used this product so I think it's time for a review.

Dior Crème Abricot Fortifying Cream for Nails

This cream is described as a rich, creamy salve that nourishes and conditions cuticles (**description is from Sephora's website). As you will see from the photo below, this product is very thick. I do recommend using it at night before bed.  Inside the jar you get 0.35 oz. of cream for $25, which is a bit pricey. I'm not too thrilled about the price tag but we are talking about Dior. 

The packaging is very cute and dainty looking. I have it sitting out on my nightstand to remind myself to use it. The texture as I mentioned earlier is on the thick side. It leaves a greasy feeling around your nails so it's best not to use this during the day. It also takes a while for your skin to absorb this cream. I find that it does moisturize and condition my cuticles which makes them soft. Make sure your hands and nails are clean before using so that bacteria doesn't start accumulating inside due to having to stick your finger inside the jar. 

It definitely helps having a good cuticle cream to nourish your cuticles and nails. Plus it helps make your manicure look good too. All you really need is just the tiniest amount because this cream does go a long way. I will probably have this for a while before I hit the bottom of the jar. 

*If you are particular of fragrance, there is a bit of a florally scent to it. It's not strong by any means and once I'm asleep I don't really notice the scent. It's up to you whether you want fragranced products or not. 

Would I recommend??  If you have extremely dry cuticles or cuticles in really bad shape than yes, I would. But if your cuticles just need a bit of moisture and you take care of them, then no this product is not necessary. You will probably have better results with a cuticle oil...besides they're much cheaper! 

I do like this product but I wish it was a little less greasy. This definitely comes into play when sealing the jar after applying the cream to all ten nails. You will get the cream all over the jar, which is annoying. 

Anyway, I hope this review was helpful. I've been trying a ton of nail products for the last several months and I'm always on the hunt for good nail care. So if you have any recommendations, I'd love to know :) Also please check out my YouTube channel for makeup & beauty related videos. While visiting please subscribe, it's Free! 

Stay connected with me via Twitter & Instagram: @GlamourbyLexi

Thank you for stopping by,

xoxo

~Lexi

Milani Brilliant Shine Lip Gloss Review

Hello all,

Today I am sharing a quick review on the new Milani Brilliant Shine lip glosses that I purchased about 2 weeks ago. I've formulated my thoughts pretty quickly on these lip products. Before I get into my opinions about them, let me give you some info on them.

These are brand new lip glosses that were recently launched by Milani Cosmetics. If you haven't heard of them, click here to browse their collections. Milani is an affordable drugstore brand found at Walgreens, Walmart, Target and of course online. These glosses are on or around $5.49 each (every store might vary slightly in price). This type of gloss comes in 14 different colors ranging from nudes to pinks to berries to reds. I really like the shade options for this product. I feel everyone can find at least one color they'd like to try. I stopped at only purchasing two at first because I've never tried any of Milani's lip glosses.

Here are the photos:

Brilliant Shine glosses

Packaging:

The packaging is very basic with a clear tube and metallic gold lid. The applicator on the inside is the standard doe foot applicator typically found in lip glosses. I like the simple packaging and the tubes are nice and sleek.

Top: red my lips

Bottom: coral crush

As you see from the swatches these glosses are very pigmented and shiny. They really go on the lips super pigmented as it looks in the photo. These two shades are beautiful and perfect for summer. I love when lip products are cheap with awesome color payoff and these babies fit the bill. The formula is on the thicker side and a bit sticky which may or may not be your cup of tea. I however, don't mind having thick glosses as long as they're not tacky feeling. The website advertises that these glosses are non-tacky and paraben-free.

I love the pigmentation, the feeling of them on the lips, the packaging and pricing. Surely, these must be perfect, right? No!  What I can't stand is the extreme sticky feeling left behind after the gloss wears off. I'm talking super sticky that my lips start to get stuck to one another and I immediately need lip balm. Honestly, these really seem a little too good to be true :( I might try to find a way to make these work for me because everything about the gloss except the stickiness is right up my ally.

I'm not sure if others feel the same way but hopefully Milani will at some point reformulate these glosses. Have you tried them? If so, what are your thoughts?

Please check out my YouTube channel to watch makeup related videos. Also, subscribe while you're there, it's Free :) You can stay connected with me via Twitter & Instagram: @GlamourbyLexi

Thank you for stopping by,
xoxo
~Lexi

Colorful Smokey Eye

Hey everyone!


A few days ago I posted a colorful smokey eye tutorial on my YouTube channel and today I am sharing the products and photos with you. If you haven't watched it, please click the link above to see an easy step by step guide. I know smokey eyes can look and sound difficult but really it's not. With the right tools and products, smokey eyes can become your go-to look. I prefer a more natural approach to makeup looks versus super dramatic and not so every day type of looks. As you probably already noticed from watching any of my tutorials, I like to take a wearable approach to makeup.

Here are the photos of a colorful yet wearable smokey eye:

Products used:

* theBalm Meet Matte Nude palette

* Revlon bronzer in "Bronzed & Chic"- for crease and face

* Urban Decay "Aquarius" single eyeshadow

* Avon Ever lasting shadow stick in "Aquamarine"-used as colored base under eyeshadow

* Loreal Infallible liquid liner

* Loreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara

* Ardell accent lashes in #305

* theBalm instain blush in "houndstooth"

* NYX brow kit in "Brunette"

* Maybelline fit me concealer in "#10 Light"-used as eye concealer and foundation.

* NYX Butter Lipstick in "sugar wafer"

* Maybelline Color Elixir in "Caramel infused"

As you can see from the photos the colored eyeshadow is not an everyday type of color but adding soft neutrals in the crease makes it wearable. Also, wearing a softer lip color makes this look totally doable. It was actually very easy to do so the best way to learn is to watch my tutorial. 

Stay connected with Me via Twitter & Instagram: @GlamourbyLexi

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Thank you for stopping by,

xoxo

~Lexi

MILANI "Bella Rosa" Baked Blush Review

Hello everyone!

Today I'm sharing with you my thoughts, swatches and photos on this new baked blush by MILANI Cosmetics in the color "Bella Rosa". On the brands website, this blush is described as a bright raspberry shade and I think that's dead on with the color. I know a raspberry colored blush may sound and look scary but this one isn't at all. You can find this product and others from MILANI at local drugstores and on their website (link is below). This product retails for $7.99, which is great for the quality, size and pigmentation.

Let's talk packaging....

"Bella Rosa" Baked Blush

It's basic and functional packaging. I think the outer packaging is cute and simple. Underneath the blush there is a compartment that holds a mirror and an applicator. It's not photographed but the mirror is tiny and the applicator isn't the best for this product. I'd recommend using a soft fluffy blush brush to apply this shade.

I know this looks crazy but the color is truly beautiful. It is hands down the brightest and boldest color I own in my collection. I have used this blush a few times and I'm really enjoying the soft natural flush it gives my cheeks. As you will see in the photo below, this doesn't appear too intense when sheered out. Of course the first swatch is more intense so that you can get an idea of what we're dealing with here. This baked blush has a smooth matte finish which I happen to love. It's great to be able to find matte blushes with actual color payoff. It swatches and applies very nicely and has a soft feel to it. 

Top: one swipe of color
Bottom: sheered out swatch

Literally the top swatch is just one swipe of the product applied to my arm. It's crazy how pigmented this blush is. You really only need just a tiny bit in order to get a great natural color as if you just came back from a nice jog. I will own this blush for the rest of my life! I really love finding great products that are affordable and readily available at the drugstore :) 

Overall, this baked blush is a winner in my book. The price is great, only $7.99 at local drugstores and at Milani Cosmetics website. The pigmentation, smoothness and creaminess is right on. Truly a great find for me. I hope this quick review was helpful. Please leave any feedback, I'd love to hear from you :) Watch my beauty related videos on YouTube and subscribe, it's Free!!!

Stay connected with Me via Twitter & Instagram: @GlamourbyLexi

Thanks for stopping by,

xoxo

~Lexi