American Cutie Beauty

Eyeliner Application - An easier way to... Wing it!

2013-07-03T16:34:00.000-07:00

This post is for people who have the same or similar problem as I, or who doesn't want to give their eye a paper-cut, or put tape on their face, or hold a piece of flimsy tissue paper up to their eye to trace, or any other reason why you are still looking for a way to apply eyeliner. Have you always wanted to wear winged eyeliner but could never get the wing angle looking quite right? Well, that's me. My parents were nice enough to give me a little something from both of their genes. One slightly hooded normal eyelid and one completely hooded eyelid. So as you can imagine creating wings with my eyeliner is more difficult then normal and I gave up on it a long time ago.

My method is very similar to holding a piece of paper up to your eye and I was dumbfounded when I stumbled upon a perfect winged liner for my eyes. I was applying eyeliner to my water lines and over shot on the bottom outer corner so I grabbed a paper towel folded it and started to very gently wipe it off. When I removed the napkin from my face i had a straight line starting at my eye and extending out like winged eyeliner. It was faint so I decided to fill it in. GOLD! The line the napkin created followed the natural fold of my hooded eye and showed me where the line needed to be.

So on to the how too!

Step 1. Grab a paper towel or paper napkin and fold in half creating a pretty good (doesn't have to be perfectly flat) crease.

Step 2. Take your eyeliner and apply it to any area of the folded edge of the crease. Make it about 1/4"-1/2" long.

Step 3. Bring the drawn on part of the napkin up to your bottom water line and while lining up with the natural curve of the outer 1/3 of your bottom water line rub the napkin's crease lightly only about an inch back and forth (from nose to temple.)

Step 4. Remove napkin and you now have a solid tracer.

Step 5. Use liner to darken and fill in the area.

Now if your like me and because of the hood you will get a stamp on the upper part of your eyelid. Don't fill in past the first millimeter or two, past your eye lashes. Then pat on some clear/ translucent face powder to the liner wing (unless you used some bad ass liquid liner line MAC's Liquid liners or Makeup 4 ever.

I hope this is helpful and allows some who were wing impaired like me to try the winged liner out again, and maybe this gave some of you have a new quicker way to put on you liner. (seems to me like it would be )

An American Cutie~

Eye Contact

2013-06-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

A little off topic but well worth the read.

A couple weeks ago I went to CVS to pick up some items I needed. This shopping center can be a pain in my... side, sometimes with horrible parking and just not is a great neighborhood, but it's conveniently close to my place of business. I had to park on the street this time which is a good little walk to the doors for CVS, and of course I had to wear my killer heels and a cute little skirt and navy blue shirt combo that day.

While I was in the store checking out the bajillion different kinds of congestion relief, I noticed a male a little ways down my isle that was walking away from the store when I was walking in. Anyone else think that's odd? I kept shopping and decided to move to the "Feminine Hygiene" isle to see if he'd follow. He didn't follow but continued to glance in my direction discreetly.

I finished up and paid at the pharmacy since that stuff is regulated and blah, blah, blah. On my way to the front doors I kept an eye on this guy from one row over, who was looking at shampoo and conditioner... for his harry bald head... Yes! Noticing this when I got to the end of the isle to head to the door I looked back to notice he was heading for the front door now too! I quickly turned around and walked back to the other end of the isle and did what he was doing. I pretended to look at something on the shelves while glancing up he had turned around himself and had gone back to the shampoo, for his harry bald head...

At this point in time I should have gone to the cash register and asked for an escort out to my car since I had a little ways to in these killer heels. But I didn't. I decided to make a quick dash for the door. Right before I got to the door I turned around clutching my purse on my shoulder. I stopped, stared directly at this guy (who was once again walking towards to door along with me) until he glanced up and made eye contact with me. He quickly looked away and then casually looked back at me while I stood there still, staring at him from about 15 feet away. As he turned around to look at an end cap I made the quick dash for the door and towards the street to my car continuously looking back. A little over half way to my car the guy walked out of the store heading the same way I saw him when I first walked into the store. Away from it, towards the street.

Thinking back I should have asked for a store manager to escort me to my car. I should have called the police and reported his suspicious activity, but I didn't. I should have and will the next time something like this happens.

The message I want everyone to get out of this story is to always be aware of your surroundings, don't be afraid to make eye contact, and be smart when you notice something suspicious. This guy was following me, I have no doubt of that and no, it wasn't a paranoid or narcissistic notion. This guy had intentions for me, what? I don't know, but what if I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings and had my head buried in my phone, who knows how that would have turned out.

Keep your heads up and safe!
American Cutie

Sun, Sunscreen, and Your Health

2013-06-12T10:45:00.003-07:00

Is slathering on sunscreen every time you go out into the sun really good for you? For years, research has shown that putting on sunscreen before going out into the sun helps to lower your risk of sunburn, melanoma, sunspots, and prematurely aging skin. Although spending time in the sun has also been shown to help the human body produce Vitamin D and help with some other skin issues such as Psoriasis and Eczema. Specifically UVB rays are being used to treat some skin issues in doctors office and home use systems. More research is being done on the benefits of UVB rays.

Some researchers have made the argument that too much sunscreen can actually prevent your body from weeding out the mutated cancerous cells. (Unfortunately, for the life of me can't find the video to quote the researchers name on this one.) The sun is the best source for your body to create Vitamin D which in turn helps cell reproduction and calcium absorption and regulation. If you are constantly using a high SPF sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays you are for sure lowering your risk of skin cancer and premature aging, but what about other cancer causing cells? The sun can help your body create Vitamin D which helps cellular reproduction and helps to rid your body of mutated cells that can turn cancerous. Vitamin D when converted by the kidneys is turned into Calcitriol which acts as a hormone in your bloodstream to regulate calcium levels in your body to promote healthy bone growth too.

So your body ultimately needs some sun. Now I'm not suggesting you never wear sunscreen again, and far be it for me to think I am completely correct on all things sun. I have done some research and only speak of what this limited research has taught me and encourage you to do some research of your own. I understand the basics of needing at least 15 minutes of sun everyday to keep my body healthy. Not to mention being in the sunshine just lifts my spirits.

I wish I knew the pros and cons of sun exposure in my youth and I might not have so much sun damage and prematurely aging skin. Wear sunscreen if your going to be out in the sun for prolonged periods but wear a lower SPF so your body can slowly absorb at least some of those UV's to help your system do what it's supposed to do. Remember to apply every few hours so your body doesn't OD on UV's like getting a sun burn. Ouch! If your going to be out in the sun running errands or taking a short bike ride to the store don't worry about it, but ALWAYS wear sunscreen on your face! If you must wear sunscreen all the time choose a low SPF of 15 or 20.

These are just my opinions on the research I have done and the facts I find relevant for people to know. In no way am I a doctor or even recommend you follow my advise. Do what you feel is right for you, this is what is right for me.

So enjoy the sunshine this summer safely.
Your American Cutie

Drum Corps Problem #1

2013-05-07T13:02:00.001-07:00

So the saying is not mine and I changed the noun to fit my version of it!

My go-with-me-everywhere Beauty Bag

2013-04-17T11:35:00.001-07:00

This post is about my beauty bag. I take it with me EVERYWHERE. This bag carries all the things I feel I may need at any point or place, like if I get stuck some where and need to spend the night there. Eek! right?

It's a fairly small bag about 5" x 7" and I got it from Ipsy, but you can get bags like this at CVS, Walgreens... Products from Left to right

1. Diorshow Iconic waterproof Mascara
2. Anastasia Clear Brow Gel
3. Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil in Zero w/ a Sephora sharpener as the cap.
4. Shiseido Eyelash Curler
5. Mary-Lou Manizer Highlight powder by the BALM Cosmetics
6. Ole Henriksen Truth Creme .25 fl oz (Sample size)
7. Koh Gen Do Oriental Plants Emollient Cream .28 fl oz (Sample size)
8. Carmex Pomegranate SPF 15
9. Nailtiques Formula 2 clear nail polish protein coat
10. Lime Crime Candy Eyed Eyeshadow Helper
11. MAC Thrills lipstick
12. Fresh Umbrian Clay Mattifying Serum .17 fl oz (Sample size)
13. Dermstore Lip Quencher tinted pink
14. Tinted OXY Maximum Action spot treatment 10% Benzoyl Peroxide

Whew! All of that in that small bag! Everything has a specific job to do and not two are alike. It has taken a long time to put this bag together and sometimes the products change, but THANK YOU sample subscriptions for the small size containers! In my purse I also carry a sample size Soap and Glory Hand Cream, travel size Dove clinical deodorant, hair brush, and I just gave away my perfume sample of Philosophy Love.

If your interested in a review on one of the products listed leave a message and I'll get one up as soon as I can for you. I hope this list gives others a good start to what they may want to have in their go-with-me-everywhere bags.

Jamie

MyGlam Bag Revisited

2013-04-17T10:27:00.001-07:00

~~MyGlam Bag~~ Ipsy $10 us + tax where applicable
(the Ipsy online community is free.)

This is my second review of this beauty sample bag subscription. Click here to see my first review.

I am pleased that I stuck with Ipsy as it journeyed along it's path to coveted monthly beauty subscription. Every month you get 4-5 deluxe samples and full size beauty products. The products may not always be the one or what you wanted or even something you'll use, but that is the risk you take when participating in subscriptions like this. 50% of the time the products are from companies you've never heard of and some times you get multiple products from one beauty brand. Some times you get your 5th different type of Argan oil, and some times you get sample pouches. Ipsy is the only subscription box/ bag, what ever you want to call it, I currently subscribe to. Yes, I tried others like Glossybox and Sample Society, and both were pretty awesome. I chose to stick with Ipsy for 3 reasons.

1. Subscriptions are still hard to get so if I cancel It might be a little while before I get another one.
2. I enjoy the products I have recieved.
3. It's the most inexpensive.

I do not participate in the community as of yet since I just don't have the time, so if you Do participate in the community leave a message on how you like it below.

Now, I do have quite the collection of little bags, (4 of which I carry on me all the time) Call me the bag lady! But none of them are the same. I enjoy the diversity of the bags and I use a lot of them to organize my makeup inside my makeup case. They also work great for giving gifts in and what girl doesn't love small bags they can re purpose? I am also building quite the collection of deluxe sample sizes of hair products and creams which I choose to keep if I think I'm going to use at a later date. Some I know I won't use I give away to a friend that might use it.

The whole purpose of these subscription sample bags is for the brands to get their products out to the masses of people who a. don't have the money to try full sized products and b. to ultimately get you to purchase products this brand produces. I have purchased many full size products after using the sample I received in a bag or box. I have purchased products I never would have if I hadn't received the sample in the subscription, and I have been able to sample products I could never afford in full size.

So bottom line is Ipsy/MyGlam Bag has come along way from it's first shipping disaster months and it's misleading first AMAZING bag of December 2011 to a very consistent, good quality, almost always reliable shipping, sample bag subscription that other subscriptions programs would be proud to send out samples along side of.

Hope this helps in your decision to try the bag if you get the chance.

Drowning in samples, Jamie ~

Lime Crime Eyeshadow Helper

2013-04-16T11:30:00.000-07:00

Lime Crime Eyeshadow Helper .35 oz, $16.99 us

UDPP, Shadow Insurance, Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base, Stay Don't Stray... If any of these sound familiar to you and your shadow still seems to wander throughout the night and day... Then we need to have a talk.

I have the worlds oiliest eyelids, by noon I have a good coat of oil on them and heaven forbid I rub my eyes around 3pm. I just rub the oil into my eyes and am no longer are able to see well until I wash my face. I don't bother with gentle eye washes and the like, I just don't have time to wash my eyes separately. Is there oil reducing benefits from washing the eyes separately with proper eye wash cleansing soaps? I don't know and really don't have the time or desire to figure that one out on my own, so if someone else has an answer please tell me!

So I have tried all of the above mentioned eyeshadow primers, and haven't looked back since I found Lime Crime's Eyeshadow Helper. It's a good semi-opaque matte nude that helps cover veins and minor discoloration. The best way I can describe Eyeshadow Helper, is it's like glue that never really dries but doesn't stay tacky but is ready to work at any moment. Does that make sense? Okay, so I wear it everyday even when I am not putting eyeshadow over it and my lids stay dry ALL day. If I have a party to go to that night my lids are ready and primed for shadow, no need to re-apply or even wash and start fresh.

This stuff has been a blessing. They recently came out with new packaging and they say it's the same product but I have not tried it since the original container I bought over two years ago is still going strong. The new packaging is cute but takes away from it's uniqueness I felt it had with the round dome container it originally came in. Ether way this stuff is fabulous and I highly recommend it to people with oily eyelids who do and don't wear makeup. Even men looking to get rid of oily eyelids should try this stuff.

Thanks for stopping by!

Oh! And yes, eyeshadow stays put and doesn't crease with this stuff under it.

Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter

2012-10-31T09:24:00.000-07:00

Soap & Glory

The Righteous Butter Body Butter

1.69 US Fl. oz. $5 us

The Righteous Butter Body Butter's fragrance, smells of Chrysanthemums, Rose, a touch of grapefruit, and a hint of the sea. It's a very pleasant smell if you like citrus-y smells but very powerful. This body butter is made with a mix of Shea Butter, Glycerin, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Seed Butter, and Rosa Moschata Seed Oil. It doesn't really claim to do anything other than be a very dry skin formula. I don't have very dry skin so I don't know how effective this would be on very dry skin. On my normal skin the Righteous Body Butter works pretty good to keep my legs and arms moisturized for several hours. The palms of my hands... not so much. It feels like it dries them out a little after about 2-3 hours, but this might be because I handle paperwork all day.

A note on the packaging. It's sturdy, pink, about 3" in dia., it's pink, the label with the ingredients was easy to use and the front label is cute with it's vintage 1940's feel. Did I mention it's pink! It's very well made and always stays closed while rattling around in my purse.

I love the smell and it gives your skin a nice healthy shine and glow for hours. It's hydration is pretty good but not the best, but very good for it's price. I got the deluxe sample size that is inside many of their prepackaged gift bags. There is a larger container available.

A.C.B <'3

Olivia Care Hand Soap

2012-10-11T15:22:00.002-07:00

Olivia Care
Olive Oil & Herbs Liquid Hand Soap - Mandarin
$10.00, 20 oz

This stuff is pretty awesome. Not only do I use it for my hands at home but I use it on my oily to combination face! I know I know.... It soooo bad to use hand soap on your face, but this one is different! It contains chamomile, aloe, comfrey, and rosemary, all of which help to heal the skin. The only thing this soap is lacking to make it a fantastic facial cleanser is an anti-bacterial component. As is it lathers real quick, smells super awesome, and doesn't dry out my skin. The secret to this product is the olive oil they use in. It leaves my skin so soft and it doesn't get oily later on, well... any more then it normally would with some other expensive facial wash that cost $60 for less ounces.

I probably would have never tried the stuff even as a hand soap if my husband didn't get a free sample from their bottling distribution warehouse. THANK YOU! Even my co-workers love the stuff!

The packaging is pretty standard, but one of the other scents I got my hands on the pump dispenses WAY too much, so we just stay aware of it. Other then that this product is pretty nice and I plan to purchase more when I run out.

;-) Hope to see you all again soon!

Cutie J~

Beauty from the inside

2012-06-15T10:35:00.001-07:00

This time of year is the beginning of a very busy season for another hobby/ activity I love. Even more than makeup! I'm talking Drum Corps. Drum Corps is music's Major League. Students from all around the world ages14-22 pay a lot of money to march with their favorite Corps each year. My tuition when I first joined Drum Corps in 1998 was $475. That very same Corps today costs $2600!!

You want to hear what the students get for this $2600 tuition?

- Endless hours in the blazing sun and rain playing the same 15 minutes of music over and over again.

- Practice in all of each of the extreme weather possibilities.

- Practice all day 8am to 11pm except an hour for each meal.

- Marching in formation in that same blazing sun for endless hours.

- Get yelled at by staff.

- Move a lot of heavy equipment around.

- They get to sleep on world class high school gym floors 50% of the time and the rest of the time on a tour bus (charter) for 6-9 weeks.

- Experience a really cold or really hot shower compliments of some of the school locker rooms.

- Put on a hot polyester form-fitting uniform for a couple hours in the hot summer sun. (Most likely with a slight sun burn.)

- They get to find out how many of their 139 other Corps members snore.

- Endure sores, aches, pains, muscle strain, and sun burns.

Now I know what you're saying, this list doesn't sound too awesome... Let me continue.

- Share their summer with kids around their same age that share the same passion for music.

- World class staff and instruction on their specific instrument.

- Physical endurance, and intense exercise regiment.

- Three squares everyday while on tour. Including snacks.

- Preplanned diet, weight loss/ maintenance including muscle definition.

- They learn about commitment, teamwork, self worth, self control, independence, perseverance, and dedication.

- They get to travel all over the USA and sometimes visit other countries.

- Preform in front of thousands of fans across the united states.

- A new family of over 150 people.

- Memories that will last a lifetime.

- Friendships that will last a lifetime.

- Pride in being apart of an activity that has and will change the lives of millions.

You really can't describe Drum Corps in a few words but I tried to in the fewest possible!

Inside this world of music many people share the same passion. A passion for learning, family, performance, and music. Even the parents that had no clue what Drum Corps was till their kid asked them for $2600 to march it. Parents travel with the Corps and are the main volunteers for cooking all the meals, driving the trucks, and sewing the uniforms.

It's a way of life for many for a few months out of the year; Although, there are many that live it all year round. I'm talking about the people behind the scenes. The board members, staff, alumni and volunteers that put in extra hours into raising money or recruiting during the off season. No matter what side of this activity you are on, I believe it makes people beautiful on the inside. Yeah you get a person with a bad taste for Drum Corps every now and then, and you just have to take every persons experience individually because in this activity there are no spots that are exactly the same. No really... all performers have their own dot on the field that is unique (unless your an alternate) Ha ha.

The way I find makeup and Drum Corp colliding into each other to create this post, is the creativity that is put into the color guard's makeup for each show. Every Corps has a different show every year and, I wish I was in guard for this reason, each year they get to create a new makeup look according to the show title and songs. This year my Corps' show is called Spectrum. Oh the colors, designs, and creativity that can go into this makeup. For his blog post I have created my own interpretation for this shows makeup design.

I feel like I captured a Peacock more than the Spectrum, but in any case I really like how this look turned out.

Brands used:

Urban Decay, MAC, Lime Crime, NYX, Este Lauder, Sephora Brand.

Thanks for taken a look into my other world.

For more info on this amazing sport, (yes it is a sport) visit DCI

Jamie <3

MyGlam Bag

2012-03-25T20:41:00.004-07:00

My GlamBag

$10.00 per month US Via myglam.com

I have to say just a little bit about this new beauty sample subscription program that came out in December of 2011. Subscriptions for this company, created by Michelle Phan and a couple other youtube beauty guru's, sold out quickly out in December. More subscriptions became available in January for a limited time. This service promoted that each month for $10 you will receive 3 - 4 deluxe size beauty samples. I wasn't sure what to expect from them so I waited to see what their first bag had, thinking it would be a good representation of bags to follow. Their first bag was AMAZING! The first bag had 2 deluxe size samples and 4 full size samples and the enticing part was it was ALL makeup! Makeup junkies dream! I jumped at the chance after I saw their first bag and saw that more subscriptions had opened up in January. Now I understand that they never promised the bag would have all makeup products, deluxe or full size makeup samples, or even that makeup would be in the bag. They advertised the bags as having beauty products in them.

Filling the first bag with all makeup products was a great marketing strategy by MyGlam. It caught the eye of people who have tried all the other beauty sampling services out there that wanted one that would give more relevant and more makeup samples rather than beauty products in their bags. The one thing I read about all the other beauty sampling companies from their subscribers is that they wished there was more makeup in the bags. The companies already out there put out 95% skin care, 3% nail care, 2% hair care, and 1% makeup. People want more makeup products not skin care and after seeing the first bag from MyGlam, I thought " Hey it looks like one company has got it right this time!"

Ha Ha, silly me! In the months following the first bag you were lucky to get 1 makeup product and 2-3 deluxe size samples. They were starting to send out the one time use sample pouches, you know the ones you can go into any beauty store and ask for, for free! Okay maybe not for all the products.

December's bag
included a small makeup bag, a full size of the NYX soft matte lip cream, 1 eye shadow from Urban Decay, MAI Couture book of blush papers, and a book of blotting papers. A deluxe size sample of Tarte's lights, camera, lashes mascara, and Urban Decay's original primer potion. Pretty rockin bag I'd say!

January's bag
included a small makeup bag, full size samples of Freeman's facial Masque, Sheer coverage concealer in a light color, and The Balm's shady lady eyeshadow OR Hot Ticket nail polish. A deluxe size sample of Wen's Sweet Almond Mint Conditioner. Okay pretty good to get all full size or deluxe size samples even if you can't use the concealer because your not light skinned or you just don't wear nail polish.

February's Bag
included small makeup bag, full size of NYX Roller ball eyeshadow, a full size one time use Freeman's facial mask. Deluxe size sample of X Out shine control for the face. A one time use Dead Sea facial mask and eye cream sample pouches, a $100 gift card to NUME hair tools (which is limited to select items only which all exceed the $100 price,) and two Ghirardelli chocolate squares. Okay even though there was a full size sample of a facial masque by freeman in last months bag, I still got 3 full or deluxe size samples, but a gift card I have to spend money to redeem... I don't know about this one. It is a generous $100 but that don't mean a thing unless I use it.

March's Bag
included a small makeup bag, a deluxe size sample of 3LAB perfect cleansing foam, OR some may have gotten a full size sample of Pur- Lisse daily lip nourisher OR Murad's absolute bronzing boost. A (I guess this would be a full sized sample) MyGlam blending make up brush in a faux leather pouch. Sample size one time use pouches for Keracolor color enhancing leave-in hair treatment, Murad eye life perfector, and Pur-Lisse essential daily moisturizer. A gift card to the Dermstore for $25 with a minimum $50 purchase required limitation. So... this month we got 2 full or deluxe size samples, 3 sample pouches and another gift card with restriction. This bag was the most disappointing.

The decline of their promise of 3-4 deluxe size samples is interesting to watch and I am a little shocked at what seems like a very misleading first Glam Bag. The deterioration of some of the deluxe size samples to one time use sample pouches companies give out for free is very disappointing. What disappointed me even more was that they are giving Beautyfix samples out as the deluxe size samples. If I wanted to still get products offered through Beautyfix I would have continued my subscription there.

The cool thing about MyGlam is that the makeup bag changes each month. AWESOME since you get one every month. They also do a couple giveaway contests on their facebook page each month.

Last thought on the MyGlam Bag. Even with the shipping mix ups, late shipping, and one time use sample pouches, it's a great concept. Every new company has it's problems and need a couple months to really get their feet wet, but failing on a marketing promise of 3 - 4 deluxe or full size samples won't keep your customers. Even if you don't care to keep those since many, and I mean MANY, people are waiting to get a subscription, eventually those people will fade and you will have no more market. You say you want to listen to your customers, then I hope you do and have the follow through. You have me for 3 more months which will equal out to the price I would have paid for one quarter of Beautyfix, and if your claims don't start to hold up I'm out.

I hope you all had a great weekend and if you've been interested in MyGlam I hope this helped you understand what they are about.

American Cutie Beauty

Smashbox Shades of Fame Pallet

2012-03-24T23:32:00.003-07:00

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SmashBox Shades of Fame Pallet and Brush

$48.00 US at Sephora

This pallet is just in time for spring. The color selection is very neutral, with just a few colors to brighten it up and make it fun. It comes with nine shadows, two cream liners, and a double-ended brush with a flat, fluffy blending brush and a flat liner brush. Out of the nine shadows all are warm toned except Pacific, which looks to be cool toned. Most of the colors show true from pan to swatch and some just don't have the same effect swatched as it does in the pan.

Bliss ~ Is a Matte, pale peach with a silky texture. It's not very pigmented and tended to disappear into my skin. It is similar to Orb by MAC but it is much less pigmented and a little bit more of a pale peach.

Honey ~ Is a duotone shade that in the light shows an iridescent pink shimmer and from an angle shows up as a matte yellow with the tiniest bit of sparkle. It's an interesting pretty color but doesn't have much pigmentation to it.

Sandstone ~ Is a shimmery, satin beige. It has a silky texture and it's pigmentation is okay and is a fairly sheer shade.

Nude ~ Is a matte, light taupe with a yellow undertone. It's pigmentation is okay and buildable but will never be opaque dry.

Sherbert ~ Has a bright, matte coral base with a smattering of gold sparkle. This has good pigmented and leans towards the orange side of corals. It's texture is a little rougher then the other colors but is still pretty smooth. It looks much more sparkly in the pan than on the skin. This is a unique shade and will probably sell this pallet.

Safari ~ Safari is a dark forest green with a gold sparkle sheen to it. In the light it has a gorgeous gold sheen to it. Texture is similar to Sherbert. The pigmentation is good in this one and at an angle can look to have a dark matte base with a smattering of gold sparkle.

Pacific ~ Is a cool, shimmery teal with a satin silver shimmer. This is a very pretty color but it's not as pigmented as I thought it would be but it's pigmentation is still good and buildable to opaque. It has a silky texture to it too.

Praline ~ Is a shimmery bronze with a gold sheen. It's texture is super silky and it's pigmentation is pretty good. If you were to mix UD's Half Baked and Smog you'd get Praline as their offspring!

Mocha ~ Is a dark brown matte base with a smattering of gold. Mocha is okay on pigmentation and the gold sparkle doesn't show up well in any light or angle other than while still in the pan.

Gold Liner ~ Is a slippery cream liner. It's a true shimmery gold with pretty good pigmentation.

Bronze Liner ~ Is a good, pigmented dark antique bronze with a slight gold undertone. This is cream liner is a little thicker than the Gold Liner.

Both liners blend out well but loose their pigmentation and boldness and definitely need to be set with shadow. Praline and Mocha are great matches.

With Flash (above)