Review: The Balm NudeTude Palette with Photos and Swatches

TheBalm NudeTude Palette

Hey everyone!

Today's post is of a palette that is quite raved about in the beauty community for being a great palette for neutral shadow lovers out there- theBalm's NudeTude palette. I love neutral eyeshadows. I own both of the Naked Palettes from Urban Decay, and since I had never tried anything from theBalm, I figured this would be a good first thing to try since it has gotten such great reviews. 

I've wanted to order this for a while now, but I waited until the brand went on sale on Hautelook, so I got this palette for 50% off ($18 instead of $36). The only downside to ordering this on Hautelook was that it took quite a while to be delivered (three weeks or so).

So today, I will be showing you guys what the palette contains and a description of each of the shades. The palette comes in thin cardboard packaging, which I just leave off most of the time. It comes with twelve shadows, and a double ended brush. 

One side of the brush has a eyeliner brush, and the other side has an angled shadow brush.

And this is the back of the palette:

So let's take a closer look at those eyeshadows, shall we?

Top Row (from L-R): Sassy, Stubborn, Selfish, Sophisticated, Sexy, Serious

Bottom Row (from L-R): Snobby, Stand-offish, Sultry, Seductive, Silly, Sleek

They're so pretty! I like the layout of this palette- six lighter shades on the left, and then the six darker ones on the left. I also think all the names are really cute.

There are two types of the palette available if you order off theBalm's website, Naughty and Nice. They both have the same shadows in them. Naughty was the only one available on Hautelook, so that's the one I have. Some may find it a little risque, but I don't really care. 

Top (from L-R): Sassy, Stubborn, Selfish

Bottom (from L-R): Snobby, Stand-offish, Sultry

(L-R): Sassy, Snobby, Stubborn, Stand-offish, Selfish, Sultry

1. Sassy: I think this was supposed to be the intended "highlight shade" of the bunch, but on my pale skintone, this shade is just too shimmery. Sassy is an super shimmery white shade, which, if it leaned a little more pink, would be perfect for highlighting for me.

2. Stubborn: I have a feeling that Stubborn is going to be a much loved shade for me in this palette. I love shades that lean pink, but aren't super warm. Stubborn is another shimmery (but not shimmery) shade. It's more pink than Stand-offish.

3. Selfish: This will most likely be my favourite shade of the palette, from what I used so far. I absolutely love taupe shades because they are not too brown that they look orangey on my skin. This shade especially has enough gray in it that it looks stunning on the skin. Love love love. This is also a shimmer.

4. Snobby: I do not think I will be getting much use at all out of this one, unfortunately. It's just really not my colour at all, it's too yellow. Snobby is medium toned yellow gold shimmer.

5 Stand-offish: This shade is the same finish as Stubborn, but it is lighter and leans less pink (more peach). It is very similar to Urban Decay's Sin, and since I love that shade, I know I'll love this one too!

6. Sultry: Sultry is a warm matte (bordering on satin) brown. Darker than Urban Decay's Naked. 

Top Row (from L-R): Sophisticated, Sexy, Serious

Bottom Row (from L-R): Seductive, Silly, Sleek

(L-R): Sophisticated, Seductive, Sexy, Silly, Serious, Sleek

7. Sophisticated: This one is a dark brown with gold undertones, and some bronze shimmer. It's absolutely stunning, and I am very excited to get a lot of use out of this one. In terms of finish, it has more visible shimmer than Stand-offish, Stubborn, Snobby and Selfish. It is somewhat similar to Urban Decay's Darkhorse.

8. Sexy: Sexy is a matte burgundy with plum tones in it. It's a little more red than Urban Decay's Busted. It has a very smooth texture, but not chalky. 

9. Serious: A plain matte black. It has pretty good pigmentation for such a dark shade, but it could be a little bit darker.

10. Seductive: This shade used to be called Schitzo in the old versions of the palette, not sure why they changed it. It is a warm golden brown, with a pearl finish.

11. Silly: Silly is a red toned brown with copper shimmer. This shade was the only one that had an issue with finish. It has fairly bad fall out, and the pigmentation isn't up to par with the rest of the shades.

12. Sleek: A matte dark brown. Very similar to Urban Decay's Backdoor. It has very good colour payoff.

In terms of colour payoff, the mattes were all very smooth and buttery, which is very impressive. With the exception of Silly, all the rest of the shimmery shades applied evenly with a buttery texture. I'm a little disappointed with the texture of Silly, but every palette has to have one not so good shade, right? The pigmentation of these was excellent, and I am very impressed with the quality of these shadows. For $34, it's a more reasonable alternative to the Urban Decay Naked Palettes.

The packaging on this is very sturdy, with a magnet strong enough to keep the cardboard palette shut. It also has a full length mirror.

All in all, I am very pleased with my first product from theBalm, and I will definitely be trying more!

Thanks for reading!

Melissa

Review: ELF Long Lasting Lustrous Eyeshadow in Soiree

So in my most recent ELF order, one item that caught my eye were the Long Lasting Lustrous Eyeshadows. The way the texture was described caught my interest, so I decided to go ahead and order one. 

The shade I picked was Soiree, which is a warm shimmery plum shade, with silver glitter. It's absolutely gorgeous, and I'm quite pleased with it, seeing as shades are sometimes hard to see what they will actually look like when you view them on ELF's website. 

I am actually in love with this line of eyeshadows. I will definitely be ordering more the next time I make an order. Let's take a look at why I like these so much shall we?

1. Texture: The texture of these is quite strange. They are like a mousse texture; they're spongy, but they're also fluffy and light. I apply this just by patting my finger on top of it a couple of times, I don't have to physically scoop out product. The texture is similar to the Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealers and Blushes. 

2. Colour: This is the main reason I love this so much. You know how when an eyeshadow has like visible glitter in it in the pan, but when you actually put it on your lid, the glitter sort of disappears? This doesn't happen with this. The texture makes sure that the glitter stays. 

The colour is also super rich and pigmented, and glossy/shiny. 

Stunning. 

3. Staying Power: These stay all day without creasing when you wear a primer. I cannot vouch for how they stay without a primer. 

4. Price: All of ELF's products are very reasonably priced, but I think for the quality you're getting with these, $3 is a steal.

All in all, I am very pleased with these shadows. I will definitely getting some more! If you haven't tried them yet, I recommend you do! They make a great "one shadow" look because of how much dimension they have.

Thanks for reading!

Melissa

Review: Maybelline Color Tattoo in Seashore Frosts

This eyeshadow was literally the most elusive eyeshadow I have ever had to deal with. As soon as reviews of this started hitting the blogosphere, I started keeping my eyes out for it in stores. It was about three weeks before I spotted Maybelline's Summer collection display at Shoppers Drug Mart. They had the other Color Tattoo shades, but not this one. This is the only one I wanted; it was the most hyped about. So I called all drugstores in my city and they all had a similar story- that they had received this collection and Seashore Frosts had sold out quickly, and that they weren't getting anymore in. So I turned to the internet. After lots of searching, I finally found this sucker (brand new) on ebay. After paying twice the price and a week a waiting, this bad boy finally arrived. 

Seashore Frosts is probably the most talked about colour for the summer. It is a gorgeous duochrome blue-gold-green shade. It was so worth the wait. 

In the picture above, you can see more of the gold with a hint of blue, but in the next picture, I tried to capture more of the blue. 

See how pretty it is?

Formula wise, it isn't the greatest. It isn't as long wearing as the color's in the rest of the line. And the main issue I have with this shade is that it isn't that buildable. It doesn't pack a huge punch on the eyelid with just one layer, but when you try to add more, it won't spread easily. The duochrome sort of translates onto the lid, but I wish I could build it up more. 

Here's some swatches of this shade. I tried my best to capture the duochrome, but it is sort of difficult to get on camera. 

You can sort of see here the gold turning into the blue.

And this picture here is more gold, while the one after is more blue.

All in all, I highly recommend checking this color out. It's so unique, and it really isn't too vibrant on the eye, so it can look natural.

Thanks for reading!

Melissa

Utter PAN-demonium! March 2013

So today's post is something I've never done on my blog before, but I thought it might be fun! This is going to be a post all about products that I've "hit pan on", or you can see the bottom pan on it. The reason I'm sharing this is because if I've hit pan on something, it most likely means I like it a lot! So this post might give you some new items to try! Let's get started!

FACE:

1) L'oreal True Match Powder in Neutral 1

This a powder that I've been using for quite awhile now, and I really enjoy. It's a much loved product around the beauty community anyway, probably because of how natural it looks and how much coverage it gives.


2. Revlon Colorstay Whipped Foundation in Ivory

I've already posted a review of this foundation, (you can see that here) but I absolutely love it! It works well on my dry skin, and has great coverage. I've been using it solidly for about six months, and I'm only just running out of it now. Luckily I have a backup!

EYES:

1. MAC Eyeshadow in Phloof!

Finally hit pan on this little guy after using it for about two years. Not much to say about it, except that it's a frosty pink toned light shade, and my absolute favourite shade ever to use for highlighting. 

2. ELF Single Eyeshadow in Pebble

This is the eyeshadow I use everyday to fill in my eyebrows, which is probably why I hit pan on it. It's a matte taupe colour, and the reason I like it so much is because it isn't too warm toned, and it doesn't make my eyebrows look red. 

3. Covergirl Eyeshadow in Tapestry Taupe

I've talked a lot about this one on my blog already, but I finally hit pan on it this month! I could have sworn it was a bottomless shadow, seeing as I've only just hit pan on it, and I've used it A LOT. A great basic to have in any collection. 

4. Urban Decay "Naked" Eyeshadow

This is from the first Naked palette, but it can also be bought on it's own. It's a matte light brown, which is wonderful for just running through your crease, which looks natural, but also adds a little something to a neutral shadow look. 

5. Smashbox Liner Palette

I hit pan on one of the cream liners in this palette that I've been using for a long time, on a daily basis. It's just a plain black liner, and I used it everyday on my upper lash line. I finally bought a new liner this month, which is a liquid liner, so I don't need to use this one anymore. But it was a good liner while it lasted!

So that's it for my PAN-demonium this month! This probably won't be a monthly thing, but I'll do another one when I have more things to make a post on.

Thanks for reading!

Melissa

Review: Maybelline Color Tattoo in Inked in Pink

Maybelline Color Tattoo "Metal" in Inked in Pink

Welcome to the review of my new HG eyeshadow, Maybelline's Color Tattoo "Metal" in Inked in Pink. I wear this pretty much everyday now. 

This is the first Color Tatoo I've ever used, but I've heard really good things about them, and how they are the best cream eyeshadows in the drugstore.

I LOVE this colour. Inked in Pink is a pink obviously, but it doesn't look so bold on the lids. It has warm undertones, but it looks pretty neutral when actually applied. Here's some swatches. 

See? Super pretty! It doesn't look too pink; it has goldish undertones. But this is a super formula. It stays on better on me than MAC Paint Pots. It lasts seven to eight hours with no creasing. 

This is marketed as a "Metal" color, but it doesn't show up super metallic on the lids, which I'm grateful for! Too metallic is not the best. 

This is pretty full coverage, so you don't need to load it up on the lids.

I definitely want to try more Color Tattoos after trying this one!

Thanks for reading!

Melissa

Review: Mac Paint Pot in Constructivist

Mac Paint Pot in Constructivist 

Today's review is another review of something I got for Christmas, Mac's Paint Pot in Constructivist. This is the second Paint Pot I own, the other one being Bare Study, which you can see reviewed here,

For anyone not familiar with Mac Paint Pots, they are cream eyeshadows that you can use by themselves or as a base for other eyeshadows.

Constructivist is a deep shimmery brown, with copper/red undertones. It can look more taupe in some lights and more brown in others. 

Even though it is very deep, it doesn't look too harsh on me, even with my pale skin. It looks multi dimensional, so it looks like I'm wearing more than one colour of eyeshadow. 

Since this is a dark colour, it does have the tendency to crease on me, even when I use a primer underneath. However, it only creases after a very long time. 

Mac Paint Pots retail for $21CAD ($17 US) and can be purchased where ever MAC products are sold.

Thanks for reading!

Melissa

Dupe Alert! Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow vs. CoverGirl Tapestry Taupe

CoverGirl Eyeshadow in Tapestry Taupe

Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Birthday Suit

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to alert you to a dupe I discovered. I've owned the Covergirl shadow for quite a while, and when I purchased the Benefit shadow, I thought they looked pretty similar. They are not exact matches, but they are pretty close. 

Obviously, the Benefit shadow is a cream shadow and the Covergirl is a powder, but the finish is very similar. They both have a high shine.

Top: Benefit Cream Shadow in Birthday Suit

Bottom: Covergirl Tapestry Taupe

As you can see, they are very alike. The Covergirl shadow is just a little warmer toned and more brown. 

Thanks for reading!!!

Melissa

Review: Mac Paint Pot in Bare Study

MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study

I honestly do not know why I have waited so long to do this review since this is literally a product I use, without fail, every single day. 

For those of you not familiar with Mac Paint Pots, they are just cream eyeshadows that you can use to prime your eyeshadow, or you can wear it by itself.

Bare Study

As you can see, Bare Study is a beautiful shimmery champagne colour with gold undertones. I personally use this every day as a primer, which not only keeps my eyeshadows from creasing, but it also adds a beautiful sheen under any colour of eyeshadow. 

Bare Study

But it's also great for a quick look when you don't have time to do anything else, because it looks great by itself too! It looks natural, but also really brightens up your eye.

These stay on all day for me, but I also use Urban Decay Primer Potion underneath it all. If worn by itself, Bare Study would last a super long time. It may crease though after awhile, it you put shadows on top. 

Mac Paint Pots retail for $21CAD ($17 US) and can be purchased where ever MAC products are sold.

Thanks for reading!!!

Melissa

My MAC Eyeshadow Collection!

So today I'm going to share my MAC eyeshadow collection with you. I've found that MAC eyeshadows are some of the best quality there is, right after Urban Decay. All the shadows in this blog post are part of their permanent eyeshadow collection.
So over the course of about two years, I've only bought eight MAC eyeshadows for my palette. Why? Not because I don't like them, or because they're too expensive. In fact, they're quite reasonable for a high end brand. They're $17CAD regularly, but I get them for $13 because I buy them in the palette form.
Anyway, the reason I have only acquired eight is because MAC don't have a lot of shades that appeal to me.
Let's get started then!

1) MAC Phloof!

MAC Phloof!

This is my all time favourite colour from MAC. It is just such a perfect highlight colour. It's a frosty off-white with pink undertones. Lot's of pigment; a great colour.

According to MAC's website, this is indeed a frost finish. 

2) MAC Dazzlelight

MAC Dazzlelight

This is another great highlight shade. This is also an off white, with yellow undertones this time. This is a Veluxe Pearl finish. Not as good pigment on this one as Phloof!, but still decent.

3) MAC Retrospeck

MAC Retrospeck

I'll be honest, I don't really reach for this colour very often. It's a good colour, but I think I got a bad shadow. When I swatched this in store, it was smooth and buttery. But when I got it home, the one I got was stiff and not very pigmented at all. The swatch you see above is very heavy.

And yes, I understand it's supposed to be a "beached blonde", but it just lacks pop for me. But for people who like lighter shadows, maybe check this one out! This is a Lustre finish.

4) MAC Era

MAC Era

Now this is one I reach for a lot.This is the absolute perfect colour for when you want to look like you're not wearing any makeup, but you want your eyes to look finished; more polished. I love Era for this. 

MAC's website says this is a "soft golden brown with shimmer", which I'd say is pretty accurate, although I'm not sure about the shimmer part. It looks like it just has more of a sheen. It is a satin finish. This is definitely more of a warmer brown.

5) MAC All That Glitters

MAC All That Glitters

This is the first MAC shadow I ever got, and I must not have been very makeup savvy back then, because I NEVER use this anymore. It is just way too warm and orange for my skin tone. 

MAC describes this as a "beige with gold pearl", with a Veluxe Pearl finish. It's a pretty colour, and a cult favourite in the makeup community, but it just doesn't work on me.

6) MAC Honey Lust

 MAC Honey Lust

Once again, another colour I never use. And once again, it's because it pulls too warm on me. Not too mention the fallout is awful for this shade!!

MAC's description is a "bronze dipped peach", and that is definitely accurate. This is the same finish as Retrospeck (Lustre), but this is way more glittery, in my opinion. Not a fan, to be honest.

7) MAC Satin Taupe

MAC Satin Taupe

This is a definite favourite for me and many other MAC fans. Satin Taupe is just such a pretty colour, for any season of the year.

It is a mix of taupe, gray, purple and silver. This is a frost finish, just like Phloof! I can't say enough good things about this colour; I highly recommend it to everyone.

8) MAC Gleam

MAC Gleam

And last but not least, we have Gleam. This is quite a complex shade. According to MAC's website, Gleam is a "barely pinked gold" with a Lustre finish. I'd say the finish is more similar to Retrospeck than to Honey Lust. 

I don't use this colour very often either, because I can't really find a use for it. Which is a shame, because it is such a pretty colour!

So that's the entire collection!

Thank you for reading, and I hope everyone had a great weekend!!

Melissa