Influenster-Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Color (Review/Swatches)

I received the Influenster box for the Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Colors. They sent me two shades complementary to test out and tell you my opinions about them. So, of course being the makeup junkie that I have created I jumped at the chance to try a new product.

The shades that they sent are #10 Nude flush and #35 Rebel Red. I thought it was a good thing that they did send a variation in shades to get a good idea on how I feel about them. The size/tube of the liquid lip color is 0.26 Fl Oz. it comes in a square tube, not very bulky at all, which is great for easy storage...just in case you so feel inclined to go and buy the full Vivid Matte collection which has 10 shades available. The shades vary from nude, red, to purple.

So, let's do a little reviewing, Shall we? Of course we shall!

The formula- I found that the word matte is used very loosely when these lip colors were named; Since, when you apply the moussy-like liquid pigment you don't end up with a matte finish. Influenster suggested on the enclosed info card that they can be blotted with a tissue to achieve the desired matte finish. But even if you take the extra step to "mattify" this lipstick it doesn't end up 100% matte, it does however take away some of the shine. I do believe that the lip colors are indeed very vivid and pigmented. But if you so wish to blot, you will actually end up taking away some of the pigment and opacity along with the excess shine. So, I don't think that this is a bad formula at all. It is very smooth and super comfortable to wear. However, when it comes to the long wear of a matte liquid lipstick-that it does not have.

Personally, I think that they look prettier without blotting and just showing it's true potential colors. I don't mind that they aren't matte. Because along with the word matte comes craking, extra dry, and unflattering chapped lips. If the word matte were taken away from the name and simply advertised as a vivid liquid lipstick this would be absolutely true. Now, because the formula is so soft and creamy I didn't feel that it would set on my lips. This entails that the lip color will come off easier when eating or drinking..and if you don't mind having to re-apply you'll definitely love this product because it shows up great on the lips.

Now, one thing that I forgot to mention in my unboxing-review video was that they do have a slight perfume scent that may or may not bother you. I felt that the scent did stay on the lips after application but it wasn't bothersome.

To conclude..would I recommend this product?

If you want a liquid lipstick that is very pigmented, opaque, and creamy then I will recommend it to you. Even as the matte liquid lipstick seems to become uber popular not everyone is a fan of dry lips, so this would be a way to wear a liquid lip if you don't mind giving up the longevity.

Check out my video on YouTube for a full review and live swatches of the two shades and if you enjoy the review let me know ;)
>>>>>>>>>>>>https://youtu.be/_N0aH6-GtfY<<<<<<<<<<CLICK HERE TO WATCH!!!!

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream #JingleVoxbox

I've recently received a sample sized Cetaphyl Moisturizing Cream in the Jingle VoxBox from Influenster. I was no stranger to the brand Cetaphyl, since I was recommended the brand by a dermatologist a few years ago. It is recommended by dermatologists because it is very gentle on the skin, has no fragrance, and is non-irritating. This particular cream is great not only for this time of the year when the air is a bit colder but also for people with dry skin (who might benefit the most from this product).

Although, I have used it in the past when my skin was very dry, this time around (now oily/combo) it still feels great on the skin. It feels very light-weight, absorbs very easily into the skin, and you don't feel any filmy residue on your skin. I have also used the daily facial cleanser from this brand and it is the most gentle on sensitive skin. I can most definitely  recommend Cetaphil as a brand and they do cater to different skin types, so you are sure to find just what you're looking for.

Cetaphil is generally sold at any drugstore; prices vary at every drugstore.

Thank you Influenster for sending this complimentary product and reminding me that this a brand that I love and trust.

Disclaimer- I have received this product free for testing purposes from Influenster. I have not been paid to share my honest review/opinion.

Thanks for stopping by and I will see you soon!

xoxo, Blanca <3

99 Cent Only Stores Makeup Score!!

I couldn't wait to show you all the drugstore makeup they had at the 99 Cent Only Stores! This is what makes my heart happy <3 Go check out all the great finds!!

Dollar Tree Haul Nov 2015-Bonus

Hello! I decided to go ahead and record a bonus Dollar Tree haul for November! Since it includes a few seasonal items I thought it would be best to show you asap what I had found :)

GRWM: Maybelline The Nudes & WNW Cofee Buzz

Hello! Okay, so this is happening! It had seriously been too long since I recorded anything that resembled a makeup tutorial- I decided to do an easy eye look with the Maybelline The Nudes pallete and a dark lip with Wet N' Wild Cofee Buzz lipstick, just because I love a vampy lip. But feel free to exchange it for your favorite lip color. Let me know your thoughts in the comments section. I'm really excited, it feels like my first video all over again! Lol! Any questions? let me know! :)

Wet N Wild Halloween 2015 LE Lipsticks/Beautifully Wicked Collection

I will call myself pretty lucky, as today I happen to go into Walgreens and find the Wet N' Wild lipstick collection for Halloween! What?! I had no idea it was even out, wasn't looking for it-but it was there, I was there; I knew we belonged together. Yes, that's very dramtic (I know). But when you happen to find a WNW LE collection just sitting there waiting for you, you don't want to pass it off!

November Dollar Tree & 99¢ Only Stores Haul

It's another fun Dollar Tree & 99 Cent haul! Yes, it's one of my fav, all you buy is just $1..How can you say no? Uh! You can't! :)

Top Five Drugstore Products under $5

Today I'm sharing my top five drugstore products under $5...this video is surely over due! These are some great products without a hefty price, so you can try one or all. Tell me what are your top five under $5? BTW these are one of my fav videos to watch since you can discover some gems at the drugstore :)

How to Fill in Your Eyebrows (Sculpted Brows)

Hello there! In this video I will be showing you how I fill in my eyebrows using drugstore products to attain a fully sculpted brow. Share your favorite products in the comments section :)

How to Shape,Tweeze,Trim Your Eyebrows/Brow Grooming

Hello, today I am sharing how I groom my eyebrows. We all tend to do it a little different, but I hope that it can be somewhat useful to some of you. My technique is very simple, and works well for me. If you have any helpful tips for me or anyone else don't hesitate to mention them in the comments!!





Check out this video...

How to Fill In Your Eyebrows (Sculpted Brows)
https://youtu.be/nQaLh-_yMBs

LONG Dollar Tree & 99 Cent Store Haul

It's a LONG one today! Hope you have time to watch! Finally found some of the Milani lip products-yay! I combined the DT & 99, so you get 2 for 1!!



You're probably already subscribed to Sarai,

but just in case you're not def check it out-https://www.youtube.com/user/SincerelySaraiC

Wet N' Wild Fall 2015 Collection(lipstick/nail polish)

Hey there! I was so excited when I found some of the items from the Wet N' Wild Fall 2015 LE Collection!!! I only picked up some lipsticks and nail polishes...I'm showing you 5/6 lipsticks & 4 nail polishes. I would have loved to have found the sixth lipstick, but I'm a happy camper!! Love the colors!! Let me know what you think??!!

99 Cent Store Haul & Mini-Giveaway

Hey there! I just posted my latest 99 Cent Store Haul! I also included a mini giveaway on my YouTube channel. Head over to my channel to check out the details and what will be included :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPPBgz2PT9w


Gotta love the 99 Cent Store, right?! I found a couple of great goodies, and when they are only a dollar..Yesss! If you wan to participate in the giveaway, be sure that you are subscribed to my YouTube channel. See you there!!

Influenster-Maybelline Voxbox

     I'm excited to try this new foundation from Maybelline, it's the Superstay Better Skin-
skin-transforming foundation. This campaign is the #BetterSkinChallenge because the foundation claims to give better skin in 3 weeks simply by using it! It says that it will get rid of spots, dullness, and unevenness; this of course all while giving you an all day flawless coverage. So far I know that the active ingredient in this foundation is ACTYL-C, which is a more durable form of vitamin C.

Lets do a quick run down through some facts:

• This foundation comes in 12 shades.
• It contains ACTYL-C, a more durable form of vitamin C.
• Recommended for all skin types.
• It provides a medium to full coverage.
• Contains titanium dioxide sunscreen broad spectrum SPF 15 as an active ingredient.
• It contains 30 ml 1.0 OZ. (standard size)
• It is oil free.
• It comes with a pump.
• I received the shade 20-Classic Ivory

It claims:"Superstay Better Skin Foundation gives an all-day flawless coverage and better-looking skin in 3 weeks. The foundation reduces the appearance of spots, dullness and unevenness and gives you a brighter, more even and stress-free skin."  

O.k. with that being said, I'm glad I can test this foundation out. I have combo/oily skin and this (being Summertime) is the best time to see how this product will react on my skin. I will add a weekly update as week 1,2, and 3 progress.

First impression:

    It's a great thing that it has a pump to prevent any bacterial growth. It is a somewhat thick consistency; it will not run on your skin, but it's very easily blended. It has great coverage. It sets quite quickly on the skin to a soft focused effect. It has the feel of a liquid to powder foundation. It does have the smell of the SPF like many foundations that contain it do as well, but you really don't smell it once the foundation sets. It makes the skin look very soft, airbrushed. So far, very good first impression!!!

Day #!-I used a brush to apply the foundation, it went on easily. I used about a pump and a half of the product to achieve a great coverage look. Because I do have combo/oily skin, I did set the foundation even though it set quite nicely on its own. I stayed indoors; being that the weather is hot my face did sweat. So, I did notice my face looking dewy. I did not go in throughout the day to set it because I was only home, but if I were out it might have been necessary. About eight hours after the foundation was not doing it's best.I will try a different setting powder, and method, tools for the next day. (I had used loose setting powder to set)

Note: The picture has been cropped and added a reflection, but it does not contain an overlay/filter.

Day#2- I applied the foundation with a damp sponge and it went on very light (this is a good thing in the summer) but still covered very nicely. I set the foundation with a pressed powder, and sprayed with a drugstore setting spray. This day was the biggest test, if ever...I had errands to run, it was HOT! And I was pouring over in sweat (yes how lovely-NOT!). I pressed a facial tissue to clean the sweat, and the makeup did not separate, or break at all!! YAY!  

Week #1- By the end of week #1 I knew that for the best application I need to apply this foundation with a damp makeup sponge. Even if it does have somewhat of a powder finish, I have to set it very well with a translucent powder. Another thing that helped was using a super inexpensive drugstore setting spray. When all these steps are done, it looks really good! I'm impressed! Not only that, but it will stay looking good on the skin quite longer. The difference in shade was not too significant and can be adjusted with bronzer.

Week#2-I'm feeling a bit more comfortable with the application and knowing how this foundation works on my skin. Everything is looking A-O-K! 

Week#3-As the Summer comes to an end we still have had some very hot weather and this foundation has been tested to it's limits. I'm content with how it works because even with my combo/oily skin (if set correctly) it doesn't break up on me or become splotchy;which is always a great thing.

Final thoughts....

Taking the few extra steps definitely helps this foundation stay on and looking good. This means adding a primer or makeup setting spray if you have my skin type. If you have normal skin I think you'd love it (I can't vouch for dry-no idea). If you don't mind spending a few extra dollars, or you may already have these items to accompany the foundation-you're gonna do great with it. As far as significant skin improvement? I think long stress/damage on the skin cannot realistically be erased within 3 weeks. It sounds great, but I don't think it will be a miracle worker. Perhaps, with constant use over several months there might be a change, I don't know. Personally, I think that once the skin has damage to it, it will be good as preventative measure from further damage but it's not a rewind button on a remote control. Still, I like it! Looks good, long-lasting, and it can be found at the drugstore.

Disclaimer-I was sent this product free from Influenster for testing purposes. I have not been sponsored/paid to speak or write my opinions about this product. 

Haul: 99¢ Only Store, Stationery & Makeup

No doubt the 99 cent store always has some stuff that you may not need but at only a dollar you can't help but pick up and hope to make great use of...I also picked other random stuffs-stationery and makeup <3

JULY 2015 DOLLAR TREE HAUL

Here's a dollar tree haul for the month of July! Dollar Tree is just fun & a little addicting! ;)

MEGA MILANI HAUL

I was so super thankful and happy to have received a super generous package from a friend that works at Milani Cosmetics! I'm definitely enjoying testing out the products and can already see a few that I'm loving. I hope to have a review soon on one of the fav products-keep an eye out for that!!

Influenster Fresca Voxbox Review

I recently received a box full of goodies from Influenster! 

This was the Fresca VoxBox and included seven

 different brands to test out. 

I did record an unboxing video on 

my YouTube Channel of course! 

This is what the Fresca VoxBox contained......

1. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Boosters Daily Scrub-This was a sample sized product; It's a clear, soft-scented face wash/gel. It's very gentle on the skin, lathers well, and cleanses well. However, I don't recall it having any scrubbing properties (at least that were visible to the naked eye). I like this product/would purchase full size which is $7.99 for 4.2 oz.

Other details: Infused with white tea and vitamin E, gentle exfoliant.

2. Pure Silk Moisturizing Shave Cream- It's a white shaving cream that smells quite nicely, as it is raspberry scented. As dispensed from a rust-proof can it creates a rich foam that protects against cuts while shaving;while moisturizing the skin as it contains aloe. The product sent was 5 oz (retail price $1.49) a larger size of this product is available in stores in a 8 oz can (retail price $2.19).

3. Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Purifying Shampoo and conditioner- I received both products in the 1 oz size (retail price $3). This shampoo and conditioner work very well to clean your hair. I found it odd that my hair really drank up the conditioner faster than the shampoo (usually I will finish a shampoo and still have conditioner left over). I don't know why exactly that was, perhaps the conditioner is quite light and requires more product. Either way I was pleased with how they lathered, smelled quite nice, and pleased with my first experience with this brand.

Other details: These products are sulfate, silicone, paraben, and dye free. Infused with wild water mint and raspberry extracts and quinoa proteins.

4. NYC Expert Last Lip Lacquer in Rockaway Ruby-  My first impression of this product was definitely a good one as it is very pigmented, and very vibrant color. It is very glossy, goes on smoothly on the lips, and the color is quite opaque. I did find upon application that I preferred it with  a lip liner to insure that the product went on the lips better and stayed because it's pretty much a liquid lipstick. I would be interested in trying other colors since they are very affordable, only $3.99.

Other detail: Long wearing, liquid lacquer, rich color, high coverage, long wear, moisturizing formula.

5. Jafra Blends- I received 3 sample vials (different scents) and a full size 1 oz. perfume (retail price $22) in Violet Pomegranate. These blends are designed to be combined if you so choose to layer them. I can say that it's a fun concept for people that enjoy mixing their scents and creating a custom blend that works well with their body chemistry.  They smell soft, feminine, and can be worn alone if you're not into mixing cocktails with your perfumes.

Other details: Scents available-  Violet Pomegranate, Blackberry Juniper Magnolia, Sea Salt Rose Petals.

6. Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs- I received a sample sized of this product, regular size retails for $13.99. This product is makeup for your legs, so it will not give you a tan-as it does wash off. However, it is very easy to apply, sets, and is water resistant.

***Disclaimer-These products were sent to me free from Influenster for testing purposes. My opinions are true, honest, and I have not been sponsored*****

Haul Time! Colourpop,Walmart,99C Store,Rite-Aid,Ross,TJ Maxx

Hauls are just fun to share!!! Check out the goods from Colourpop Cosmetics, Walamrt, 99 cent store, Rite-Aid, Ross, and TJ Maxx! Gotta love great deals!

DIY: BABYSHOWER DIAPER CAKE

Here's a little DIY that I put my mind to creating recently. Watch how I did it, and of course put your personal touch-it's what makes a DIY special! If you recreate share it with me on social media tag me at #B3beautybyblanca :)