Haul: First e.l.f. Purchase! (Products + Mini Review)

Yay, my first haul post! I have never used e.l.f. cosmetics before, and decided to give them a try. I've heard mixed reviews about the brand but with such cheap prices, I won't be disappointed if I don't love them because I didn't invest much! I tried a variety of products, some from the regular line and some from the studio line. So, here are my goodies!


Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder


This duo was the main reason for trying out e.l.f. products. I read a good review on this product so I thought I would try it out. I've used it once and so far I like it! It has a little shimmer and adds a nice, healthy glow. $3.99


Shimmer Palette


I really like these soft colors and wanted to try this out with different eyeshadows. I have used them a few times now and really like them. They are good for highlighting or adding a little shimmer to the inner eye. $3.00


Studio Eyeshadow "C" Brush


So far I like this brush. It's thinner than I had hoped, but it's soft and I like the shape of it. $3.00


Blushing, Bronzing and Blending Brush


I'm not impressed with this brush. You basically get what you pay for! It feels brittle on my skin. I'll be tossing this one! $1.00


Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara


I bought this product for the clear mascara. I tried it out this morning on my brows and after about 3 hours the gloss and shine was completely gone. I have used other brow mascaras and I've never had this problem. This is another product that I guess you get what you pay for! $1.00


False Lashes: Natural Lash Kit-Black, Dramatic Lash Kit-Black, Drama Lash Kit-Black


I was excited about these lashes when I saw them online, but now that I see them in person, I can tell the quality is really lacking. I like the shape and style of them, but they don't compare even to Ardell lashes in quality. I haven't used them yet and probably won't. $1.00/pair


Overall Impression of e.l.f. Brand:

Unfortunately, my overall impression is not that great! Even out of the products I did like, I most likely won't re-purchase because they didn't "wow" me. e.l.f. has awesome prices, but the quality of the products makes it easy to see why. There are other inexpensive brands, such as NYX, that I would definitely recommend over e.l.f. I most likely not be purchasing anything in the future but I am glad I tried this brand out for myself.

What do you all think of e.l.f.? Have you had better luck with their products? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Update: I'm On The Move!!

Hey everyone! I just wanted to let you all know that I am moving to a new house at the end of this week. I'm really excited but unfortunately that means my blog will suffer a little. I should be back on track with updates next week. Please check back regularly though because I have lots of fun stuff coming up soon!

xoxo,
Laura

FOTD: Vibrant Purple Smokey Eye w/a Twist

This is a second look I created for a contest by YouTube & Beauty Blog Guru, Magicgrl111 (you can enter twice). It's a smokey eye contest w/a twist. She required that didn't use any black (other than mascara and false lashes). I decided to use purples for this look because it's said to be a good color for green/hazel eyes.. plus purple is such a pretty color! You can see my first entry, a smokey blue eye, by clicking here. I'd love to hear what you think!










FACE
Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Face Powder, Shade: Bronzer
MAC Cream Colour Base in Hush (highlight)
MAC Blush in Pink Swoon

EYES
MAC Paint Pot in Painterly
NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in Milk
Coastal Scents 88 Color Eye Shadow Palette in White (1st row, 1st down)
Coastal Scents 88 Color Eye Shadow Palette in Light Purple (8th row, 2nd down)
Coastal Scents 88 Color Eye Shadow Palette in Vibrant Purple (8th row, 4th down)
Coastal Scents 88 Color Eye Shadow Palette in Bold Purple (8th row, 8th down)
Coastal Scents 88 Color Eye Shadow Palette in Deep Shimmer Purple (8th row, 7th down)
MAC Eye Shadow in Brule (brow highlight)
Sephora Brand Flashy Eye Liner in Flashy Mauve
NYX Eye/Eyebrow Pencil in White (waterline)
Ulta Brand Professional Lashes
Rimmel Sexy Curves Mascara in Extreme Black
Coastal Scents 88 Color Eye Shadow Palette in Dark Matte Brown (11th row, 7th down) (brows)

LIPS
Rimmel Lip Liner in East End Snob
Revlon Matte Lipstick in Nude Attitude
Smashbox Lip Gloss in Candid

Here is my video entry for the contest on YouTube:

Review: Neutrogena Rapid Clear Treatment Pads Maximum Strength

These pads are amazing!! They are convenient and most importantly, effective! I bought these for my fiancé because he is very active and has been breaking out a little more than usual due to the summer season. He used them for the first time at night after washing his face and by the next morning, all signs of a breakout were gone! I couldn't believe it; I have never seen a product work that fast. I need the occasional spot treatment and I decided to try these pads myself, and I got the same instant result! No signs of a breakout come morning. Anytime I start to feel like a pimple may be coming, I swipe a pad and viola! These are great too, when I've had a late night and just want to fall into bed. We know we're all guilty of falling asleep with our makeup on from time to time, but these things are so simple and easy, it's impossible to let that happen. They leave my skin really soft afterward and they smell really good too! I buy these at Target and they retail for around $5.99 for 60 pads. I highly recommend this product!!

MAKEUP by LC YouTube Channel!!

That's right! MAKEUP by LC is expanding! I've decided to start a YouTube Channel to coincide with my beauty blog! I only have one real video on there right now, which is my blue smokey eye look for a contest entry. I will be making more videos of makeup looks and I plan to eventually get a camera and start filming hauls, reviews, tutorials, etc.! I would love it if you all would visit my channel and subscribe. Your support means the world to me! Just click on the icon above or CLICK HERE! Thanks!!