Ophe Reviews

No.7 Poppy King Glamour Lip Gloss

2012-03-05T23:43:00.000-08:00

A review.

Brand: No. 7

Product: Poppy King Number Three Glamour

Price: $10 at Target

I bought this on a whim while Target offered a 50% off sale on these No. 7 lippies. Like I needed another lip gloss right?

Wait, I really like this.

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If you are a fan of pigmented lip glosses that are not overly pigmented (if you're saying "huh?" then no you are not a fan) then this one is a winner! It is a beautiful semi-opaque coral-pink that has a cream formulation and very buildable. If you've heard of a lip product looking like jelly then you'll see how this compares.

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Since my indoor swatches weren't doing this product any justice, I walked outside.

outdoors

I would definitely recommend this if you happen to see it and if you are in the market for a lip gloss. For fanatic collectors? If you're a lip product fan then yes, this is one to check out. If you're usually mehh about lippies, I'd still recommend it.

Btw, as I try more and more lip brands, I find that I no longer want my MAC lipsticks and lip glosses anymore.. Sigh...

Rating: 8/10

Availability: I found mine at Target

NOTD - Zoya Kristen

2012-03-04T10:29:00.000-08:00

Milani Baked Eyeshadow in Fusion

2012-03-01T02:44:00.000-08:00

A quick review.

Brand: Milani

Product: Baked Eyeshadow in Fusion

Price: $

sorry! ripped that name right off, oops!

*In case you are wondering what the difference between a regular review and a quick review, I typically form an initial impression of a product that will determine whether or not it will stay in my regular routine. If not in the day to day use, I make the judgement call whether or not it will be used in the next few months. This is usually decided within one to two uses.

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I was walking through target when I spotted the usual tempting makeup section and Milani was screaming, "buy me! I'm on sale!" Wooo!

I bought Fusion home (mainly bc it was the one of two shadows on sale and wanted to take the opportunity to try out what looked so pretty in the pan) Unfortunately this did not wow me but at the same time it is not awful.

The pigmentation is quite nice for a drugstore product and does not stray far from how it looked in its packaging. I suppose my disappointment is from how dull it looks on my skintone.

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I think I was also expecting it to swatch stronger like Mac Mineralized Eyeshadows would. But in some lights it just looked like a shimmery blah sort of color.

Would I recommend these? Well, I suppose if you are a drugstore fan then sure these are worth trying. If you are a fan of higher quality products then I say skip. I am sad I even spent $3 on this...alas, I am a high end snob when it comes to eyeshadows. =T

Rating: 5/10

Availability: Drugstores

Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks in Powder Pink

2012-02-29T17:23:00.000-08:00

A review.

Brand: Bobbi Brown

Product: Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks in Powder Pink

Price: $24

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I have always enjoyed the idea of versatile cream product, a bit for your cheeks and a bit for your lips. Ta-da! But for some reason (and for a long while) I could not stand the idea of putting cream products on my cheeks. After a mini makeup/beauty/skincare revelation, I'm here to review this pot rouge and p.s. I liked it.

Let's start off with the color, it is called 'Powder Pink' but I would consider it more of a warm rosey coral color on my skin. Good pigmentation and lasting power.

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I wouldn't say it's the easiest to blend out but that factor probably plays a large reason as to how it could last on my cheeks for the day. It leaves me with a soft flush but no gross oily residue. Whew.

It could also be used as a lippie but I honestly do not prefer it on my lips. The color is really pretty but it doesn't wear well on my dry lips.

Overall, I like this Bobbi Brown item but if you are not willing to spend money to trial high end products like most YouTubers are, this is not one to splurge on. It's good, yes, but it's not really a must have in my collection. I would still recommend it if you are interested in the product though!

Rating: 7/10

Availability: Bobbi Brown

Benefit Velvet Eyeshadow

2012-02-29T09:05:00.000-08:00

A review.

Brand: Benefit Cosmetics

Products: Buckle Bunny & Fawn Over Me

Price: $18

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I'm sure it is quite difficult to see the full capabilities of these shadows from my swatches (as the sun seemed to be going down at the moment) but I figured it would be appropriate to at least share the product in the pan and share a quick review.

Are these worth the $18 price tag? I think these are very good shadows with good pigmentation and consistency, soft and subtle but not unnoticeable. I much prefer the Buckle Bunny color on my skin, it being one of my favorite red/raspberry colors and I think it was worth the price tag.

Overall, I think these shadows are wonderful but nothing revolutionary. If you love a specific color then you will love what you buy. I would recommend it but I think there may be some comparable items from the drugstores as well.

Rating: 7.5/10

Availability: Benefit, Sephora

Stila Kitten

2012-02-27T00:55:00.000-08:00

A review.

Brand: Stila

Product: Kitten Eyeshadow

Price: $18

If you have not heard of the Stila Kitten eyeshadow...where have you been???

Not too long ago there was a huge Stila Kitten craze that matched the very recent Nars Orgasm popularity. Simply gorgeous on its own with rich pigmentation and universally flattering.

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Kitten is a pink champagne almost gold color that shows on the lightest of skin tones yet could still be utilized beautifully with darker skin tones. Pardon my personal eyeshadow, I believe it cracked a while ago and by the looks of it, I believe I pathetically tried to press it together myself.

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I think this is a great shadow that would add a lot of ease to your collection on days you feel like using something eye brightening while dedicating very little effort. Is it a must have? I think it is quite high up there! Super pigmented and very easy to blend out. I've owned this for years and as you can see...no dents yet!

Rating: 9/10

Availability: Sephora, Stila

Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream 15

2012-02-20T23:20:00.000-08:00

A review.

Brand: Make Up For Ever

Product: Aqua Cream #15 Taupe

Price: $22

Once upon a time I purchased a MUFE beauty set where a variety of eye creams, mascaras, powders, and lip products were sold in a bundle for customers to sample their brand.

Not that I can really remember what the name of the set was called but all I know if that the Aqua Creams left an everlasting impression on me.

My set came with two of their most popular Aqua Creams and this one, #15 Taupe (which btw is not a "taupe" in my opinion, was a beautiful deep bronze shade with high pigmentation and long lasting power. I barely needed an eyelid primer prior to using this, just slap it on with little effort and out the door I'd go.

I did take it with me last year to Orlando, Florida where I was competing that year. Outside of the competition, I decided to put this product to test and wear it sans primer for a full day at Universal Orlando. It was the prime summer season so there was an abundance of people, sunshine, and heat heat heat. I nearly melted but I noticed that my eyelid cream did not.

A little goes a long way and although it is build-able I would say it is not really necessary. I will say that after my extreme sweating marathon came to an end there was a bit of creasing but unless you live under the shadeless sun for hours on end - I believe you'll be just fine. Would I repurchase? If I ever run out.

Rating: 8.5/10

Availability: Sephora

NOTD - China Glaze For Audrey

2012-02-16T19:38:00.001-08:00

Lorac Cosmetics- Baked Matte Satin Blush

2012-02-14T20:06:00.000-08:00

A ~~review~~. A rave.

Brand: Lorac Cosmetics

Product: Baked Matte Satin Blush in Velvet Rope

Price: $24

How often can I really declare my love for blush of all things? Well, today's one of those days - lo and behold Lorac's Velvet Rope. Sigh.

A gorgeous color and easily one of the most pigmented products out there. I find it easy to blend and beautifully flattering when blended in.

But I do want to warn you that the pigmentation is overboard at times. A little goes a long long way so don't get overzealous when applying, do a quick dab at the product and then gently blend it in. I think it lasts a decent amount of time and if I could ever run out, I would repurchase.

I highly doubt I will run out. Welcome to the family, Velvet Rope!

Rating: 9/10

Availability: Sephora, Lorac, Ulta

EOTN

2012-02-11T23:17:00.000-08:00

Brows:

Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Brunette

Eyes:

Tarte Lock & Roll Eyeshadow in Rosegold
Jordana FabuLiner in Black
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Electric
Buxom Amplified Mascara
Ardell 102 Demi

Lips:

Mac Viva Glam V

Test run - Dove Dry Shampoo

2012-02-08T07:41:00.000-08:00

Upon first impressions (actually maybe third time impressions?) it smells good and seems to work but no Yowza! points yet. I'll keep you posted =)

Anyone tried this yet?

Haul - Bare Minerals High Shine Eyecolor in Vapor and Moonshine

2012-02-06T22:32:00.000-08:00

So I went to Ulta the other day...

And after walking many rounds throughout the store, I found these gorgeous things-

I don't want to do any real review as of yet since it is early in the game. I do, however, want to share how pretty they swatch because some people may find this of great interest.

stupid packaging

Here's a quick view of the applicator. A spongy tip with loose powder on the face.

Moonshine

compared to Mac Satin Taupe on the left

swatch of Vapor (silvery green)

So far, I've used each once and found terrible fall out when applying so me no likey on the application portion. But the color is so beautiful and pigmented, just be careful and apply foundation second!

NOTD - Butter London Knackered

2012-02-06T00:50:00.000-08:00

If you are a fan of duo chrome and glitter and sheen and Butter Londoness... this is the nail polish for you!

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True Grit - Mohair Cardigan

2012-02-02T23:28:00.000-08:00

Bought this from Hautelook last week. Love love! Love so much I had to show two pictures... sigh...

So freaking soft and gorgeous to me, maybe I will feature this in a future outfit =)

NYC Smooch Proof LipStain 16H

2012-01-31T22:13:00.000-08:00

A review.

Brand: NYC

Product: Lip Stain #495 Endless Spice

Price: $4.99

I've always steered clear from lip stains with the fear that they would make my lips drier than the Sahara. So when I saw this product at Target, I figured I would just give it a try. Just to warn you, my overall impression is: meh.

Well, let me first show you.

my naked lips

one layer

two layers

It did not dry out my lips horribly as most matte lipsticks do but the color was so mild and the wear was so short that I could not even justify spending $5 on this drugstore product. I suppose if you want a teensy dab of color on your lips then this would be appropriate. But for the regular makeup wearer, I would suggest you skip.

I wore it and then less than two hours later I looked at the mirror and wondered where it all went.

I was not impressed and though I do not hate the product, I do not love it either. I still maintain that "meh" is the best description I could give this.

Rating: 4/10

Availability: NYC

Blow Heat Is On

2012-01-25T00:27:00.000-08:00

A review.

Brand: Blow

Product: Heat Is On Protective Styling

Price: $18

I received this sample from a Birchbox subscription many boxes ago and was quite enthralled by the overall packaging. Cute, simple, and a good sample = yay!

After my superficial joy subsided, I actually put the product to use by spraying it through my somewhat damp hair prior to blowdrying. As I began to blow dry my hair, I could feel the strands becoming silkier and a bit less frizzy afterward.

It is quite a good product and I have gone out to buy a full size. While I do like it a lot, I would be praising it more if I had not found a new holy grail (coming soon!) just a few days ago. I still think the Tresemme Heat Tamer Spray is good enough and more affordable as an dupe but this product is still good and still worth buying.

Rating: 6.5/10

Availability: Blow, Ulta

First Impressions - Maybelline Illegal Length Mascara

2012-01-22T01:17:00.000-08:00

Me thinks I'm going to start a new series where I share my first impressions of products that either are incredibly impressive or incredibly suck. Luckily my first post for this series is a big thumbs up....as far as first impressions go.

Introducing, Maybelline's Illegal Length Mascara!

It claims to have fiber extensions that help give volume and illegal length to your lashes. Intriguing.

I forget how I somehow found this person's post...I believe it was from Wendys Look Book on Twitter that then led me to I Am Styl-ish's picture post on Facebook which then directed me to 15 Min Beauty.

Whew to that train of beauty posts! But after seeing the pictures and reading the reviews, I was hooked. Luckily we were making a Target stop today so I excitedly picked up the #940 Blackest Black in Waterproof and behold the magic

I wore both eyes slightly differently. On my left eyes here is the mascara on its own. I curled my lashes, applied two coats and yowza.

On my right I still applied two coats but on top of my favorite Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base to see if it enhanced the overlook in any way. Not bad.

The last picture is a bit difficult to see how much it boosts in volume as the front part of the lashes are a bit blurry due to the Canon's micro zoom. But overall, the mascara is fantastic on its own and if you want a va-voom boost in volume then the base is very helpful.

Why do I like it so much? It is indeed lengthening, although not mind-numbingly lengthening but still quite good. My curl stays curled and even more so. It claims to not flake and no dotty nonsense under the eyes yet! And final observation, it is a drugstore product that works well. I cannot believe my beloved Falsies Waterproof may have a competitor. (Although, they are both Maybelline so they can work together and be my beloved mascara gang!)

Upon first impressions would I recommend it? Heck yes! Why are you not running out the door yet?

YSL Rouge Pur Couture #110

2012-01-21T23:12:00.000-08:00

A review.

Brand: Yves Saint Laurent

Product: Rouge Pur Couture #110 Fuchsia Symbole

Price: $30

I believe I first saw this product featured on Glitter Geek's blog as she is one of the most gorgey lipstick wearers out there...oddest compliment but I am just being specific =D

After many disgruntled attempts to wear purpley pink lipsticks, I came to the unwanted conclusion that these products do not compliment my skintone. I decidedly sold my MAC LE Blooming Lovely lipstick and went on with life.

Then came the swatch of this fuchsia beauty and I was hooked. I tried to find a cheaper alternative first by buying the Revlon Berry Haute lipstick but found that purple very unflattering. So I waited until YSL's 20% off F&F sale and yeeppp! Here she is!

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As you can see, it is quite a beautiful color with good pigmentation and long lasting powers. I drank coffee, ate lunch, rubbed my lips around the walls of my room and the color was still staying strong!

I'm still a bit chicken to wear this every day but I am so in love with this color, I would recommend it to those who are engaging in a similar quest for the perfect purple pink.

I tried to do a more dramatic, slightly more editorial-type look for fun-

I felt a little silly and washed it off before going out but makeup is fun!

Rating: 8/10

Availability: YSL

NOTD - Loreal #560 Greycian Goddess

2012-01-17T22:14:00.000-08:00

Nails Of The Day: China Glaze Spontaneous

2012-01-15T01:07:00.000-08:00

And then I grabbed my (not-so-favorite) Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen for a quick tweak

Simple DIY - Holiday Wreath

2012-01-12T07:37:00.000-08:00

This is not my usual beauty post but I felt it may still be of interest to some of you =)

I went to Michaels after Christmas to find a few DIY crafts to fill up some down time. And woot woot, I found some berry-like branches that were 50% off!

They look quite nice just on their own, you could simple place them in a vase and call it a day.

But for this project, I'm making a holiday wreath so I start off by shaping one of these branches. Simply molding and curving the paper-like material until I find a good shape to start my project with.

After one branch is curved, you can simple layer the other pieces on top by weaving and braiding together until you like the outcome. But be careful, don't twist too much or the berries will break off!

As you near the finish line, it's easier to use the front of the wreath to blend over the ends of the bottom. Hide the longer sticks of the ends by twisting them into the wreath and having the berries cover any gaps.

And ta-da! Simple holiday wreath, I'm ready for Christmas 2012 now!

Daily routines

2012-01-11T00:52:00.000-08:00

Not sure how often you jump from product to product but I cannot juggle that many relationships. It gets complicated.

I decided to do a quick post about a few products I use on a daily basis. You can expect more of these to come. =)

For a long while now I have been using two products for the day and two for the night...plus the hand cream for when I need it. (it's the Crabtree & Evelyn and it smells lovely!) During the mornings, I don the two little samples I was given with purchase, the Benefit It's Potent Eye Cream and the 3Lab Face Cream. While both products work well, I don't believe I'll repurchase either one. The Benefit product is oh-so-cute but in terms of results, I don't see anything remarkable enough for me to need it on my vanity. Maybe just for the packaging.

And the 3Lab cream in its full size is way too pricey for my liking. While it does moisturize my skin with that delightful greasiness, I still could not and will not justify the price tag.

Let's move onto the nightly routine:

First I use the Garnier Eye Cream which is a drugstore product making it affordable, attainable, and for the most part, abundant. It's decent but I much prefer my Kiehl's Midnight Recovery eye cream which is sitting at the home I reside in on the weekends. If I need a drugstore goodie, this would be one of them.

Then there's the Burts Bees Radiance Night Cream. No complaints here, so far I have not really found something amazing for my skin. Luckily, my skin is not overly sensitive so products, for the most part, do not break me out. I guess I am content knowing that this is an all natural cream and does its job to moisturize my face.

Final conclusion? All products are good. Nothing that you have to run out and grab right away, but if you see these while walking down your local store/mall/park/restaurant/car/zoo/etc, I would suggest you check these out.

Revlon Moon Drops Lipstick #710 Orange Flip

2012-01-06T01:20:00.000-08:00

A review.

Brand: Revlon

Product: Moon Drops Lipstick #710 Orange Flip

Price: depends where you go - approx $7-10 range

Holy bright lipstick, Batman! If you are unfamiliar with my typical everyday makeup routine, you may not know that I am a fear-er of the bright/neon/dramatic/loud kind of lippies. Not that I do not admire them...from afar... but they are definitely Intimidation Nation.

Why yes, I DO make names up!

Back story if you are interested - I watched Zoella's video awhile back and was a bit drawn to her obsession with orange bright lipsticks. Specifically one from Topshop that I do not have immediate access to, therefore am too lazy to take that initiative to search for it.

My sister and I then headed to Ulta where I spotted this little number -

Cue the excitement! *Excitement!*

But as most Revlon lipsticks, this one was nicely secured in plastic to prevent unwanted blemishes from curious shoppers, i.e. Me. I just tried to gauge the color through the ~~stupid~~ hella cool see-through top (do people still say "hella" ??!?!?) but nothing could prepare me for this. Ready for the close up?

Bam!

Bam bam!

Bam bam bam!

Explosions aside, it is a very nice lipstick. Highly pigmented, comfortable, and affordable. A bit unpleasant smelling as it has that generic "Just a reminder, I'm a drugstore product!" smell but it won't make or break your usage.

I must be completely honest when I say that I will not grab for this every chance I get, this is a Once-In-A-While use but it is quite fun. If you are looking for a bright (when I say bright, I do mean bright!) lipstick, then this is great. Just in time to match Bobbi Brown's neon release!

Rating: 6/10

Availability: all drugstores that sell Revlon, I found mine at Ulta

2011 Beauty Favorites!

2012-01-02T23:29:00.000-08:00

I am really talented in having beautiful video thumbnails. Go me.

Welcome to my 2011 Beauty Favorites List!

I remember a few years ago when I had this sudden thought, "Why not do a yearly round-up of my favorite makeup items?! Genius!" And then later that day twenty other videos with that same theme popped up. Hmm...perhaps it was not the most unique thought but hey, it's still quite fun to see what one would summarize as their favorite of the year.

Products mentioned in the video:

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye $36

Mac Mineralized Skin Finish in Medium Dark $27

Mac Bronze Bronzer $23

Nars Casino Bronzer $33

Nars Taj Mahal Blush $27

Mac Prism Blush $19.50

Nars Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base $24

ALL CREAM EYESHADOWS!

(Mac Paint Pots, Benefit Cream Shadows, Estee Lauder Double Wear, MakeUpForEver Aqua Cream, Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill, Chanel Illusion D'Ombre, ok going to stop now)

Mac Woodwinked Eyeshadow $15

Jordana Instyle Fabuliner $2.99 (it was $1.99 at Kmart!)

Maybelline EyeStudio Cream Liner $7.94 at Target

Shiseido Nourishing Mascara Base $23

Maybelline Falsies Waterproof Mascara $5 at Target

Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Excess Mascara $30

Laura Mercier Tightline Cake Eye Liners $22

Mac Impeccable Brow Pencil in Taupe $15

Illamasqua Brow Cake in Motto $20

Shiseido Eyelash Curler $19

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer $32

***cut off but I was going to say***

Nars Love Devotion Lipstick $24

Bobbi Brown Creamy Lipcolor in Rose Brown $23

I hope you check these items out! If you do, please let me know what you think! I will do more in-depth reviews on each of these items eventually if I have not already done so already. Yay to 2011, and I look forward to the beauty of 2012 =)

More about the Buxom Mascaras

2012-01-02T00:25:00.000-08:00

Umm yes, I did just do a post on these two mascaras. But er... I wanted to do another one?

This post is more like a supplement to the previous one but with clearer pictures. First one is the Buxom Mascara:

Notice the voluptuous plastic bristled wand. The 'spikes' vary in length and density, this is a good thing for my measly lashes.

Next is the Buxom's cousin, Buxom Amplified Mascara:

This mascara is the one that can be extended and then detracted. The plastic bristles are thicker and shorter which is great when you need to thicken lashes but they are not great at holding curl.

I use the Buxom mascara to help separate and curl my lashes but they look a bit measly so add the Amplified version and va-voom!

And here's the full face. Please excuse the ... enthusiastic hair...

I'm not sure how impressive they look in pictures but they are a YAY! for me now =D

Er.. don't be surprised if another fifteen Buxom mascara posts show up some time this month...