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Saturday Makeup | Splurge vs. Save

Posted by Unknown Sunday, February 9, 2014 0 comments

If you recall, I’ve written a post akin to this before. I quite liked the idea of options so I’m resurrecting it for a second go. This time around I’m talking casual Saturday makeup. I’m usually out and about so I aim to be put together but effortless. Some weekends I go for more or less makeup, but I usually gravitate toward the middle.

DEFINING MASCARA | MAC Gigablack Lash vs. Flower Zoom-In Ultimate Mascara

For a casual Saturday I usually opt to make eyes the focal point, so I let mascara do a lot of the heavy lifting. I don’t want to layer on the volume but I do want a nice lashy look. MAC’s offering has a slender wand that can maneuver well to perfectly fan out the lashes. It never clumps and will hold a curl all day – fo real. I’ve fully reviewed the Flower mascara so I won’t warble on too long. The brown shade is deep enough to define yet is less harsh. A solid option to achieve that doll-like eye.

SUBTLE EYESHADOW | MAC Woodwinked vs. Maybelline Tastefully Taupe

I’m no stranger to brown eyeshadow so this was a no brainer. A slightly shimmery, neutral tone adds depth without being heavy. Swept over the entire lid and along the lower lash line, I achieve a subdued smoky eye suitable for day wear. These particular shadows are fairly comparable quality wise, though I will say I slightly prefer the warmer tone of Woodwinked.

MINIMAL BASE | Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer in Cameo vs. DIY Tinted Moisturizer

A slapdash approach to base is usually the route I go on weekends. I solely want to even my skin tone and remain incredibly natural. Honestly, I’m not head over heels for Laura Mercier’s option but it’s still very nice. It leaves a subtle glow to the skin with the added benefit of SPF 20. Though I actually prefer my DIY option. As of late, I’ve mixed a drop of Revlon Colorstay with a pump of my CeraVe moisturizer and used fingers to apply. Me gusta.

SOFT BLUSH | Tarte Thoughtful vs. e.l.f Tickled Pink

Feminine, pretty blush is my go-to for these days. It lifts the face and balances the brown-toned eyes. Tarte’s shade is lovely but if you prefer something a bit more subdued opt for the e.l.f. Both will look flattering and round off this simple look well.

What are your weekend staples? Until next week, I’m off!

Rachel

Fall Make Up Looks | Part One

Posted by Tessa Wednesday, October 9, 2013 0 comments

Hello, loves!

So originally I was going to show you two looks in one video, but it was going to be about 15 years long if I did that (no exaggeration, I promise). So my intro to this video is now a lie and irrelevant. Enjoy part one this week and I'll put the other up next week!

Hope you're all doing well & good luck on midterms if you have them (oh the joys of being a journalism major)! And as always, tweet us, subscribe to our channel and check here for updates!

xx
Tessa

GRWM | Everyday Make-up

Posted by Tessa Tuesday, August 27, 2013 0 comments

So when this goes up school will officially be back in session for me (ew). Anyway, enjoy my go-to everyday make-up and me being more awkward than ever before.

Tessa

Review | e.l.f Studio Blush (ONLY $3!)

Posted by Unknown Thursday, August 1, 2013 0 comments

Hello lovelies!

Today I'm going to be reviewing one of my all-time favorite beauty products: E.L.F. Studio Blush. I came across these on a whim one day in Target (surprise surprise) and completely fell in love with them. The best part is that they're only $3! I have three now: Candid Coral, Tickled Pink, and Pink Passion.

Disclaimer: I may not get swatches up today considering I'm working all day and then helping someone move in tonight.

Anyway, these blush products are amazing.

candid coral

Candid Coral is a nice tan-orangey shade that gives you a sun-kissed look without overdoing it like bronzer can. I wouldn't say it's a standard coral color by any means but rather warms up the face. I recommend this if you have warm undertones (although I think Rachel uses it occasionally as well).

tickled pink

Tickled Pink is a beautiful, natural color that I swipe on when I'm in a hurry to give my face a nice glow. I think this color could look great on everyone no matter what your undertone is. It's a rosy pink that makes it look as if you went out in the cold briefly... which doesn't make sense in the summer. But basically it just looks great.

pink passion

Pink Passion is CRAZY bright in the packaging but completely brightens up your entire face when you put it on. You don't need much and that's why I love it! I think I use this one most often because I really like having bright cheeks. Not clown cheeks, just enough color to make it look as if I'm awake because I honestly probably feel like death on the inside, especially if I haven't had coffee.

In conclusion, these are all amazing and I recommend them SO much, especially if you're looking for a new, cheap blush!

xx
Jen

Beauty | Cruelty Free

Posted by Unknown Wednesday, July 10, 2013 0 comments

Okay, so, I am throwing in the flag as far as filming goes for another week. However, my brother is working on my camera so hopefully this situation can be remedied in a soonish fashion.

On to the post!

I understand that animal testing has advanced certain fields like medicine in terms of surgeries and whatnot. That being said, I think that testing on animals for cosmetics and other beauty products is completely unnecessary (I mean, come on, haven't you seen Legally Blonde 2?!).

Seriously, this site is so easy to use, and I'm one of the
lazier people I know (I can be productive sometimes, okayyy?)

Even though PETA sometimes has a bad reputation for being a bit aggressive in their approach, they have a lot of helpful information on their site as to what brands do and don't test on animals and which companies are vegan and etc. It's nice to know that some of my favorite brands don't test on animals (and this is by no means all of them), such as:

Lush

ELF

NYX

Smashbox

Too Faced

Urban Decay

Revlon

Almay

Avon

And of course Burts Bees and Yes To products

Some brands that unfortunately still do test on animals (and should stop being so lame) include:

Cover Girl
L’Oreal
Maybelline
Max Factor
Rimmel

5 Under 5.

Posted by Unknown Sunday, June 9, 2013 0 comments

As we’ve reiterated various times – we here at Five Broke Girls are a little strapped for cash. Though I still desperately wish I’d been a trust fund baby, I’ve had to face the harsh reality of my empty bank account. So, I drown my sorrows in these five products that all fall below the $5 line. Enjoy!

Johnson’s Vanilla Oatmeal Baby Wash ($4.99)

Okay, yes. I have a product designed for babies on here. Whatever. I actually have tried quite a few Johnson’s baby products (I love the Baby Bedtime Lotion). If you have sensitive skin or just don’t like heavily perfumed bath products, this may be for you. Admittedly, the aforementioned lotion is pretty strongly scented. The body washes are much milder. I believe there are five or six scents to choose from – I recommend the Honey Apple as well. They leave you feeling clean and never stripped or dry. My skin is also noticeably softer after use. Now that I’m done rattling on like a commercial, these really are a great value. They are basically a jug of body wash at 28 ounces, still only half the price of a Bath & Body Works shower gel. Plus they can double up as a bubble bath if you’re into that. So be a creep like me and go shop in the baby aisle of your local drugstore.

Essence Stay All Day 16 hour Concealer; 20 Soft Beige ($1.79)

I picked this lil’ gem up on a recent trip to Ulta. Essence is clearly a budget brand, but I’d never heard anything about them or ventured to check out their line. I even happened to score my bits on sale! Woohoooo. Anyhow, this is kind of a box-standard concealer and actually reminds me quite a bit of the Revlon Colorstay version I’ve been using. Just subtract $6 from the equation and you’ve got Essence-ially (HILARIOUS) the same product. In fact, I think I prefer the Essence concealer. It does stay all day on my skin – maybe not 16 hours but it does the job. I’ve had no issues with caking or creasing whatsoever. It even doubled up and worked well under my eyes. Anything that can multitask gets a gold star from me. There were only two shades though, and I picked up the darker of the two. Needless to say if you are anything past pasty, this product will not work for you (unless of course there are other shades available).

Wet n’ Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Trio; Silent Treatment ($2.99)

Yet again, a product that’s been well raved about. These trios are a great value, even on par with e.l.f. The shadows are god damn SOFT. I particularly like this combo of shades as well. The soft pink is nice for when you want a subtle wash of color over the whole lid, or as the packaging suggests, a highlight. I don’t get much use of the glitter shade, but if anything I think it would be nice used as a liner. The bottom shade I absolutely luuuurrrv. It has an understated iridescence and is a wearable greyish hue that gives a slight smokiness. I would have paid $3 just for this shadow alone. Aside from this palette, there are some others I have my eye on – and you all should as well!

e.l.f Powder Blush; Peachy Keen ($3)

These blushes have also garnered a good deal of attention and rightfully so. They’re definitely affordable and there are plenty of flattering shades. This particular blush gives my skin a subtle golden glow/warmth. The texture is smooth, and nicely pigmented. Peachy Keen was an online purchase and I’ve yet to find it in-store. Still, most of the time e.l.f runs great deals on their site so it’s worth keeping an eye on. If you cannot possibly wait or don’t want to deal with ordering online, their other shade Candid Coral will give you a similar warmth (yet is slightly more pink-toned). Even if you don’t love these two, still check out the range because there’s something for everyone.

NYC Smoothing Skin Bronzing Face Powder; 720A Sunny ($2.99)

Tessa has already mentioned this product a few times but I’m still going to include it. Until recently I was pretty clueless when it came to bronzer. I always felt like it looked wrong on my face because it’s not like anyone would believe I was actually tan. That being said, I love this now. I’ve (quite poorly) attempted to self tan in the past few weeks and this has brought some congruence to my face and body. It's fairly fool-proof; it would be difficult to go oompa loompa with this product. Plus, it’s matte. Still, as with most lower-end lines, the shade range is extremely limited. As in this is the only shade I've come across. Regardless – if you’re one who’s slightly timid of bronzer this would be a great way to dip your toes in the pond, so to say.

Hasta luego,
Rachel

Summer Make-Up Basics

Posted by Tessa Tuesday, June 4, 2013 0 comments

Hello Loves!

With summer basically in full swing now (besides this bipolar Kansas weather that we just can't seem to get rid of), I've found some products that I am constantly reaching for to do my make-up for the day. Doesn't matter what's on the agenda: lunch with the girls, work, dinner with the family, or even all of the above — these products are getting a lot of love lately. I've found it's easier for me to keep these products in my make-up bag on my counter rather than with the rest of my collection where I would have to dig to find them, which to be real honest I definitely do not have time for.

My summer make-up doesn't consist of a whole lot of products. I usually don't bother with a foundation in the summer as: 1. My foundations get too light for me anyway and 2. I find that I don't need as much coverage as I do during the rest of the year since my skin stays pretty well behaved. I've divided my routine into two sections: face and eyes. I do usually have a lip product that I will use as well but that changes on a daily basis. My current favorites are the Kate Moss Rimmel line and the Maybelline Color Vivids collection.

FACE
Almay Smart Shade Perfect & Correct Primer $10.99 at Target
     So this is a product I picked up on a whim when I was in Target. I wasn't really on the hunt for a primer, but I decided why not. I do have some patchy red spots that needed some help. I'm now over halfway through this bottle and I absolutely can not stand the smell of this stuff. It's terrible. I also found that it didn't do much for redness. That being said, the staying power of my make-up is amazing if I have this on, so that's why it's made it's way into my make-up bag for the summer.

Covergirl Fresh Complexion Under Eye Concealer in Classic Ivory $4.49 at Target
     This is slowly making it's way out of my bag as I get more of a tan, but I still enjoy this product. I'll probably purchase it in a darker shade once I have a deep tan. But I love this product, it's not too heavy and it doesn't crease under my eyes like some concealers would. I also really like that it's a wand applicator, I find that those products tend to blend easier compared to potted concealers, though I have one of those that I use as well.

Boots Expert Anti-Blemish Concealer $6.29 at Target
     I hauled this product in a previous post. Upon first impressions the concealer seemed a little thick for my liking, though I do enjoy the treatment that came with it. I use this on days when I need a little more coverage, or if I have a spot that really needs to be covered up.

Yaby Concealer in Buff $4.85 at yabycosmetics.com
     This product I got in my May ipsy glam bag (similar to birchbox, find out more here). I didn't know how much I would like this product since I don't usually go after potted concealers but this one is great. It has medium coverage and blends out really well. This might even become a year round staple for me.

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in 001 Transparent $3.97 at Walmart
     A lot of people talk about this product so I won't say much, but it's amazing. I use this to set my concealer and also use it on my t-zone since that's where I get oily in the summer months. If you haven't already tried this product from someone else's recommendation, please do.

NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Powder in 720A Sunny $2.88 at Walmart
     I hauled this product in my previous post as well, and as a kind of cult status product, I had high expectations and I must say I haven't been disappointed. I use this as an all over bronzer for my face since it's lighter compared to the one in my contouring kit and is also matte (I love matte products if you didn't already know that).

e.l.f. Contouring Blush & Bronzer in St. Lucia $3 at Target
     I'd been lusting after the Nars Orgasm/Laguna duo forever but couldn't bring myself to drop the money on it so when I heard that e.l.f. had a dupe for it of course I went out and bought it as soon as I could. I have a pretty decent blush collection, but this is my everyday go-to shade. It's the exact same as Orgasm but a lot less shimmer, which I like because then I don't look like someone threw glitter on over my blush. I find that the bronzer is still a little dark for me, even with a tan, and I don't know how much I like that it is a shimmer bronzer. However, it does blend out well.

EYES
Urban Decay Naked Bascis Palette $27 at Sephora
     This palette has been my baby ever since I bought it back in December. The only days that I haven't used it are days when I haven't worn make-up at all. The only shade I don't use is Foxy, it's a bit yellow for my skin tone and also barely shows up (at my palest at least). I'll typically use Walk of Shame as all all over color and then Naked 2 or Faint in my crease, and with a wet angled brush use Crave as an eyeliner on days that I'm not doing anything with color, or if I'm not wearing winged eyeliner.

Maybelline Color Tattoo Metal in 70 Barely Branded $5.94 at Walmart
     This serves a multitude of uses in my collection. I can use it as a base, a highlight or an all over lid color. It's the perfect champagne shade, I'd almost compare it to Benefit's Watt's Up highlight, for a lot less. I will probably never finish this product, seeing as I use it all the time and still have barely made a dent in what's inside.

Revlon Custom Eyes Palette in 022 Beach Beauty $7.48 at Walmart
     I got this as a gift back at Christmas time and honestly didn't know what I would use it for. The texture of these eyeshadows aren't amazing but I've found that using them wet with an angled brush makes for a beautiful liner and the white shade is also a great inner corner highlight. Lately I've been in love with using the teal as an eyeliner.

Rimmel London Get in Line Liquid Eyeliner in 800 Black discontinued
     I really wish Rimmel would bring this product back because it's perfect. There are other similar products from other lines, I just haven't tried them yet. This is what I use on lazy days for a winged eyeliner.

Mary Kay Defining Eyeliner Pencil in Charcoal $9 on eBay
     I only have sample sizes of this liner, so I didn't know how much it cost and when I tried to look it up online it seems as though it is a discontinued product as well. This is for my extremely lazy days when I just throw on some concealer, eyeliner and mascara. I quite like it, and would purchase it if I could find it in the charcoal shade.

Maybelline The Falsies Volum Express Mascara in Blackest Black $5.94 at Walmart
     I cannot say enough about how much I love this mascara. It will forever be my go-to and favorite, unless I find another which is highly unlikely. I have had a tube of this mascara in my ownership ever since it launched — no joke I'm that in love with it. Even if I don't have time to do anything else before I leave the house, I'll at least throw on a coat or two of this.

Favorites | Kayley - May

Posted by Unknown Monday, June 3, 2013 0 comments

Hello sweeties, so it might be a bit strange to do a post on my May faves in June, but how else will you know what were your favorites in May until it's over? I have five products here that I am absolutely obsessed with lately.

Neutrogena Micro-Mist in the color Deep. So, I am someone who loves to always have a healthy glow year round. I have tried various different canned spray tans, because I just cannot afford to have a 30 dollar custom spray tan done weekly. I have tried a few other brand of can spray tan but this one is my favorite. super easy to spray, and works almost immediately. Plus, it doesn't leave a weird spray tan smell. I found at CVS for the price of $10.99

NOT YOUR MOTHER'S Beat the Heat Thermal Shield Spray. I think we are all in agreement that when it comes to straightening, blow drying, and curling our hair we HAVE to protect it from the heat. I have tried tresemme and got2b's heat protectants and while I enjoyed them, they left a heavy feeling on my hair. Alas, I have found this beautiful spray at ULTA, it smells absolutely amazing as well as protects AND keeps your style. Found at ULTA for $5.99

Garnier Skin Renew BB cream, in light/medium. Instead of foundation during the summer I enjoy using a BB cream. Much lighter, protective of your skin, and in my experience has made my complexion look better under my bronzer. BB cream is really something everyone has to experience for themselves, so if you're looking for a brand to try, I personally would recommend Garnier. Found at CVS for $12.99

Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil 002 Hazel. I'm a very big person on eyebrows, they're sort of my "thing". I like to maintain mine and like to help others fix theirs. I've tried a few different eyebrow pencils that have somehow managed it into my make up drawers but my absolute favorite is Rimmel London's. Super easy to blend in, and comes with a little brush on the top to maintain unruly eyebrows. (also, a little tip I use when finding your color, is to find a color one shade lighter than your eyebrows) Found at CVS for $3.49.

e.l.f 3-in-1 Mascara. So, when it comes to e.l.f I enjoy their brushes and their liquid eyeliners. I am however not usually a fan of their mascaras, with the exception of their 3-in-1. It lengthens, volumizes, seperates. I have never found a mascara so cheap that works SO well. Found at Target for $3.

These are just a few of my favorite items from May. I'm sure that in the next month I will find a few more that I enjoy. I think i'll be making a habit of doing a monthly items post.

Hope you all enjoy the recommendations!

-Kayson xo.

FOTD | Oh hey, I wore makeup today.

Posted by Unknown Thursday, April 25, 2013 0 comments

Hey guys, wassup? So this morning, instead of going to Art History, I spent some actual time on my makeup AND my hair. This is a rare occasion, so cherish it. This is pretty typical look for me. I went with (surprise) a winged eyeliner, but I used an eyeshadow to keep the look a little softer. Along the same lines, I used a black-brown mascara to prevent it from looking too harsh. I almost never touch my brows, because filling them in magically transforms me into Groucho Marx. Beautiful. For base, I stuck with a tinted moisturizer because my pasty skin needs the SPF it provides and I never seem to get on well with heavier foundations. Concealer is my best friend when covering up anything too pesky. To finish, I used a duo fiber brush and some pink cream blush and voilà! I no longer look like a zombie.

Hair-wise, I was fickle as usual and curled my hair with a curling wand and then decided on a fishtail braid. I left my

slowly growing bangs out to help frame my face (and basically make it look less round and balloon-like). I used a wee

little rubber band to secure and that's it. I will most likely never put more effort into my hair, so try not to expect too

much of me in that department.

Products Used:

Urban Decay Urban Defense Tinted Moisturizer - Halo

Maybelline Dark Circle Eraser - Fair

Maybelline Fit Me Pressed Powder - 11o Porcelain (to set concealer)

Real Techniques Contour Brush (with powder)

Urban Decay Naked Palette - Toasted (used wet)

Elf Angled Eyeliner Brush

Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara - Blackened Brown

Urban Decay Afterglow Glide-On Cheek Tint - Crush

Real Techniques Stippling Brush

¡Adiós!

Rachel

Outfit of the Day (OOTD)

Posted by Unknown Wednesday, April 17, 2013 0 comments

Why hellooooo again, ladies! (and gentlemen?) I figured my first real post would be an opportunity to give you a general idea of my style and makeup. So, here goes:

Beauty:

Of course, college doesn't always leave time to do your hair every morning and make sure it looks presentable (I'm looking at you, girls who throw their hair in a baseball cap or in some frightening hot mess on top of your head). I usually take my showers at night but instead I took one this morning. It's pretty humid where I live so leaving it down wet would just turn it into something reminiscent of the 80s or 90s (think Jess from Saved By the Bell, not Madonna). So I tossed it up into a ballet bun, a favorite look of mine recently since I've been so busy.
I always wear a full face of makeup because I have slight acne and some dark spots. I just feel more comfortable when I know it's hidden and will stay that way throughout the day.
I then move to my eyes: first, eyebrows. I use an eyeshadow from a NARS duo to fill in my brows and I LOVE it. When I do winged eyeliner I always use a nude eyeshadow, it's just a rule of mine I guess! However I always love to have some major color on my cheeks and lips which is obvious here.

Here's a list of products I used:
Foundation: Benefit "Hello Flawless" Liquid Foundation in 'Cheers to Me' Champagne
Concealer: Benefit Boi-ing in 01 & 02
Undereye Concealer: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment in Honey
Powder: Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Honey
Brow Powder: NARS Duo in Madrague - the darker shadow
Eyeshadow: Revlon Colorstay Smoky Shadow Stick in Torch - the light side
Eyeliner: Stila Liquid Eyeliner in Brown
Mascara: Benefit "They're Real!"
Blush: e.l.f. Studio Blush in Tickled Pink
Lips: Revlon Lipstick in Coralberry

Clothes:

I went outside... correction, swam (SO MUCH HUMIDITY) outside before I got ready this morning. I was so glad I noticed before deciding what to wear because The Weather Channel said it was going to be only 70 or so. But here, you have to add 10 degrees between the walk to class and the humidity! I can't wear skirts or dresses twice a week because of lab so today I took the opportunity while I could. Us college girls always seem to have the vicious circle of wanting to look cute, remain comfortable, and not sweat our frackin tits off walking to class. Why does this always seem so impossible? Because we also don't want to be the girl in class who seems so... "overdone". Most college students are not very concerned on their appearance (which is totally fine, don't get me wrong), but this doesn't always encourage those who like clothes to make an effort for fear of standing out too much. So today I threw on a super comfortable jersey dress on top of a mint bandeau with my new favorite piece, a denim vest. Add some stud earrings and flip flops and I'm set!

What I'm wearing:
Mint bandeau - Aerie
Grey jersey dress - Express
Denim Vest - Forever 21
Flip Flops - American Eagle

Have a great Wednesday fellow broke girls!

x
Jen