Wet n' Wild Coloricon Eyeliner in Mink Brown!

It's officially the best time of year to be a tourist in Vegas: Summer. It's officially the best time to sight-see and be seen, get in to all the good sold out shows on both ends of the infamous Las Vegas strip, and bar hop 'til you drop a'la lifted vip passes to the most stuck-up kick-backs in the country. It is also the best time to get a great five minute tan, if you catch my drift. Well in the midst of all that, we still have to find time to get our look in gear, and the buzz word of the season is brows. Whether we're filling, contouring, or completely reconstructing them, they have got to be on point. For myself personally, this is the first time I've experimented with my brows; I've always had a turbulent relationship with them because a) they're not congruent in shape, and b) any attempt to tame or maintain them is met with opposition (yes, they've got their own security clearance). If you've been hanging out with me on Instagram, then you know that I have been a good two months at work on my technique, and I'm not open to too much experimentation. While plucking, threading, waxing, or otherwise removing a single hair from my brow line are options I've carefully considered, I don't think they'll be viable options for my perfect eyebrow look in the near future! BUT, I do think I can achieve a happy medium by contouring with a filler. Powder and gel are popular in colder weather, so for Summer, it looks like brow pencils and mascaras are a good option. They are waterproof and add great weight to your brows without the worry of having them smudge or run (from you know, sweat and other saboteurs).

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Color.

   I see a lot of people use a really, really dark color to fill and shape their brows. To each their own, I have forever and the day after said; it looks good on them but I have dark skin and non-black facial hair, so the oh-so-covet-able Cara Delevigne brows that work for others is only passable for me on rare occasions(like New Year's Eve of 2013. yeah). The color I chose from WNW is a dark brown that is more of a happy medium between true brown and brown-black. I like it because is adds low-light to my face without my having to do very much contouring and directs attention to my forehead first.




    Durability.


Yeah, since this is a dual-wield brow and eye liner pencil being used strictly for it's intended purpose; still, it stands to reason that you may encounter some issues with durability. This stuff smudges if you lay it on heavily, so it's best to opt for the less is more look with a fixative. Makeup setting spray or a swipe of food-grade starch works for me, but if you are a face sweater then a professional fixative is a great place to start!


    Price.
It's very affordable, retailing at 0.99USD to start and available a most major drug-store chains. You'll hear it often that Wet n' Wild cosmetics is a cheap brand; and that's in reference to the prices only in most cases. What you get with their products is often more than what's paid for it, and they are a great place to start for beginning artists and enthusiasts alike.


    Ingredients.
      Ricinus Communis Seed Oil (Castor), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax (Candelilla), Petrolatum, Beeswax, Ozokerite, Isopropyl Myristate, Hydrogenated Soy Polyglycerides, C15 23 Alkane, Zinc Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, May Contain (+/-): Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Mica, Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Manganese Violet (CI 77742)

    Overall.

I'm gonna say it's a 5 star buy! I'm pretty satisfied with the look I was able to create too. It's a subtle yet simultaneously striking. Later on, I want to try black eyebrows or some highlighting on my brow bone but for now I really love how this came out!

What do you use to add that wow factor to your brows? Lem'me know on Twitter:@cloud9kollketiv

Missha Super Aqua Snail Renew Cream + Sleeping mask!

 Finally, back to the grind! In my absence, I've been lucky enough to do quite a lot of active sampling. Not being here for five months sucks, but hey, I've come back with a bulk of things to share, feeling festive, and ready to rumble with the reviews! First off, I want to thank those of you who stayed with this publication for the duration of my absence. Second, I've got a great product to share hot of the press. SO, as you may have seen me mention here, this is Missha's Super Aqua snail renewal cream. I got it earlier this year and used it religiously for about four months. I got about half way before I was willing to part with the remaining gel, but we'll get to that later; for now, let's get this review started:

 Packaging.

While I must admit that I'm not a fan of the color yellow, there is something very attractive and well-to-do about it where the presentation of this product is concerned. It's a gradient-mapped foil that fades to silver on the other end with a type face that seems to me too simple to be called 'elegant'. Also, since Missha is a Korean based company, I was delighted to find that the drug facts and abstract for this product were provided in English as well, something I've found is either an uncommon practice or improperly executed (by the reseller).

Application.

The jar.
The main piece of this set is more like a gel than a creme. I say this on accounts of its consistency, opacity, and absorption rate; It's near-to-clear, on the thick side of serums, and is pulled in almost immediately by your skin.
The mask.
       This is the one that will have more of a creme feel to it. It's thick, white in color, and has to be rubbed into the skin quite a bit before completely dissipating. This product is actually and add-on but it's good to have because it works well in conjunction with the other 'creme'.

Smell.

I don't really know how to describe this. It's good, I will say that, it definitely has a bit of a blended citrus/linen-esque aroma to it.

Results.

After using this product once before going to sleep, I noticed that my skin felt a lot smoother the following morning, even after having washed the product off of my face. With continued use, I noticed that discoloration from newly formed acne was significantly reduced as well. Its a great moisturizer for underneath thick foundations and I would recommend it as a new part of a problem skin regimen in the colder months, when skin tends to be more dry. I don't recommend this if you've got oily skin, however.

Price.

Buying it directly from Missha has its benefits, and it rings in at 49.99USD before shipping and taxes. Or, you can try with Amazon; it's half the price but be forewarned: there are counterfeits afoot.

Ingredients.

Snail Slime Extract, Methionine, Glycerin, Ethanol, Baobab Tree Extract, Bis-PEG-18methyl Ether Di methyl Si lane, Arbutus, PEG-11 Methyl Ether Methionine, Deep Sea Water, Photocopier Acetate, Adenine, Centennial Asiatics Mesmerism Cell Culture, Ethylene Nonattendance, Hydrothermal Lacerate/Sodium Calorimetry Tau rate Co polymer, Carbonate, Methamphetamine, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PPG-26-Buckteeth-26, Capillary Glycol, Nitroglycerine, Di sodium EDTA, Xanthippe Gum, Perfume

Tips.

The directions on the package say that you should use it after other products. Do that if your skin is dry; if not, and I mean if you have a normal, oily, or combination skin type, do not use anything before this. You may have an adverse reaction, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Overall.

I'm giving this product five stars. It's well worth the money and worth the reinvestment! Plus, I love that there are no parabens or mineral oil in this, we don't need any more of that stuff in my pores.
That's a wrap for this review! If you have any questions or comments to make about this product, please feel free to share them on Twitter (@cloud9kollektiv). Thanks again for tuning in!

Avon Super Lustrous Lip Lacquers!

      Here's this weeks beauty review! Now, I'm going to abridge this review because I'm literally en route to Reno ( but I'm not driving though; gotta conserve that precious battery life). That being said, I'd like it if we could all take a walk down memory lane: did you have a relative or neighbor who sold Avon? and if you did, do you remember what your favorite products were? Maybe you, much like myself, were still fairly young and only just beginning to show interest in makeup. Whatever the case, one thing is certain: We all have at least one item that sticks out in our mind from the beginning of our relationships with cosmetics (that's what throwback Thursday is for, right?). For me, it was the ultra color rich lip lacquers. Each hue in the set represented the different statement, they were perfect, in so many words. That's my way of saying that I hope to do these lipsticks the justice they deserve!

Senna Stardust Face and Body Bling!

      I was lucky enough to receive these while working with Sindulge for this post, so I want to get a review out while it's still fresh in my mind! I have been fiddling with these items for a hot minute because a) I'm new to using highlighter and b) I seldom touch lip gloss to my lips. I don't think I did too bad a job on the highlighter, and I do mean what of it I actually applied and not my naturally glowing T-zone (a joke). This is my second time trying products by Senna, and I'm completely hooked! The powder is smooth and the gloss is complimentary with out being too overwhelming. Read all about it after the jump!

L'oreal True Match Super Blendable Powder, Classic Tan N7

      Aha! I've found a good mid-ground with L'oreal's true match series at long last. Even when there are over thirty-three different shades that are divided by tone (cool, neutral, warm), it can still be hard for the best of us to find our near-perfect match. Factors such as lighting, skin condition, skin reactivity, and even the time of day can all weigh it when it comes to picking out the best suited shade. AND, even after all of that, the placement of a skin tone swatch can become an act of self sabotage! L'oreal has seemingly taken all this into consideration, and created eight complimentary shades per undertone to cater to the fair and deep skin tones in every tonal bracket.

Lee Jiham 5 Alpha Series Control Cream!

     I'm no Korean skincare veteran but I don't need to be one to know how serious the skincare regimen in that locale can get (my kind of enthusiasts, to be honest). I'm also a novice when it comes to brands, because I only know of those that have come into existence in the last 12 years, and the history behind some of the best skin care products you'll find on this planet

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24-H foundation in 460 Suede!

      This is without a doubt, my mother's makeup. Not a bad thing, just I'm not usually very preferential when it comes to foundation because of the highly selective nature of my skin; Usually I scour the internet for detailed reviews before I let a new foundation touch my skin. My poor mother has had a worse journey through skin care than I have and even dermatologist recommended items have served her skin poorly. I was surprised that she even wanted to try this one because of some of the things listed in it, but nonetheless she bought both mine and one for herself. I've been very sparing in using it because it's been such a wonderful experience, but I realized something: come Spring, this isn't going to match my skin anymore and I'll really have to toss it come next December (when my skin will be back to a relatively similar coloring), so it's probably a good idea to use and review it in the meantime!

Packaging.
   The packaging scares me. This is why: it's a glass vile inside a silver foiled, slender paper-cartridge. Do not drop it; there's nothing to buffer impact in this cartridge and very little thought was left to the ease of use of the vial itself. It will break. One thing that I did like about the container is that the vile is frosted; nothing the serves (or speaks to) the functionality of the body, just a nice, subtle touch of design. As for the dispenser, it's a vacuum pump.

Application.

   This is one of the nicest foundations that I've ever used. Not only does it just blend right into my skin, but it feels weightless even hours after applying it and gives my a dewy (but ever so subtle) glow. Nowadays that feat has been near impossible for any foundation/bb/tinted moisturizer to accomplish without crossing the border into greasy-halo country. In terms of coverage, it covers dis-coloration quite well and with the proper technique can lessen the appearance of minor acne.

Scent.

   There isn't one. I'm so pleasantly surprised every time I use this, it has no smell. That's wonderful, and it's wonderful because I have a really pointed sense of smell and too much perfume in my makeup can cause me to develop a migraine.

Durability.

   It will last for twenty four hours without fading if  you leave it on that long; I have. I didn't even use setting spray when I did, just a foundation powder and nothing else. When I do use it with setting spray I notice that it makes my skin look even smoother and gives me a very nice finish even in flash photos.

Price.

  It's somewhere in the mid-forties price wise; about 44.00 if you choose to buy from lancome (which since it's worth mentioning, is having a 20% off promotion; buy anything and get 20% off with the promo code HEARTS. Free ship with orders 49.00USD+. that means buying one of these foundations would be about 35.00 before S+H; don't forget that they do free samples with your order when you become a member or if you subscribe to a certain product).

Tips.

   If you have oily skin do not forget to set with a light powder and very, very fluffy brush. This foundation is meant to give a dewy finish but can overdo it  depending upon the reaction your skin exhibits after first exposure. Always use clean brushes, and clean your pump frequently!

Overall. 

   5/5 stars. Though I've never mentioned how I've had a hard time finding a replacement for the discontinued Smashbox foundation, I really hadn't until now; I'm completely in love with this foundation for Winter (Nars is my Summer love; matte finish New Orleans for the hot season ahead!) Maybe I'll do a Face shot with it on for Sundays segments, but not before we get the verdict on E.l.f.'s line of tinted moisturizers (that's this Sunday, don't miss it!)

Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara!

Oh my goodness, ladies. Ladies, if you're having trouble finding your new 'go-to' mascara, you may want to give Smashbox's Full Exposure Mascara! Next to my e.l.f. mascara, (I'm currently testing it, and I've got to admit, I'm pleasantly surprised!) this is my second go to! I use it to blend my lashes into my darkness falsies because I find that it give me a more natural finish! But before I go on with this gush fest, I'll continue with the review~

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Certainly Red!

     This lipstick I actually stole from my mother.. It's the perfect shade for my skin and I often find that it ties any evening ensemble together effortlessly (then again, I am a member of the chic boutique when it comes to black tie affairs). I have a hard time finding shade of red that aren't too outrageous in my book, for my skin tone, so I have been quite pleased to happen across this lipstick in the midst of my red-lippie debacle.

Revlon Moon Drops Lipstick in Amethyst Smoke!

      It's been awhile since the last time I wrote a review so let's break the dry spell! In the months leading up to my graduation from secondary school I acquired a love for lipstick. I ardently opposed using it during school for obvious reasons, but nearing the ending of that time in my life, I began to have what others would describe as a 'YOLO' moment. In that moment I happened upon a particularly huge sale at my local cvs; they we're having a huge sell-off of all their Revlon products and lipsticks were two for three dollars. There weren't many colors left when I got there, but they did have amethyst smoke, shade 450, a full inventory of it.. I still to this day can't understand why that product was left over from the sale; it's such a good color and consistency that I find myself using it more often than I would a balm or stain. Here's to my take on the lip color:

Nicel Day + Night Facial Creams with AHA, Aloe, and Retinol.

          

    I've been very lucky to happen across these products while in a dollar general. I'm going to come out right now and say that I'm the first person to turn my nose up at any skincare product that I see at the dollar store (because I have ridiculously sensitive skin, and bad history with things like this), but I was in the market for a good aloe, HLA, AHA/ceramide moisturizer, and a retinol cream (since vitamin A apparently does not come in a pill..) Hear me out though: this is one of the better low end purchases that I've ever made; I was able to do quite a bit of reading before I went on my hunt for this product, so when I bought it and it performed just like many other patrons said it would, you guys know I felt compelled to come back and write about it!

Collective Beauty: Maybelline Express Finish Nail Lacquers.

The Maybelline Express Finish line of nail lacquers are, without a doubt, in a league of their own when it comes to color and durability.

NuPore Skin Firming Collagen Essence Masks!

      While I was out this past week, I was able to pick a pack of these masks up at the store. They come in a two pack box and the instructions are pretty self explanatory, well if you find yourself using a lot of masks that is. I've recently started getting into the habit of doing a facial treatment mid-week with these; a woman at a skin care specialty store recommended doing this at least twice a week, but who's paying for that??? I'm just kidding, these were dirt cheap and the results are phenomenal! Let's take a look:

Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara

      Lately, I've had the Joneses for a really good mascara. I don't wear it too often these days, and that's because I can't find one that I'm one hundred percent, head-over-heels in love with. I've gotten recommendations left and right to try some Eastern dupes for popular brands that are comparable if not better by default, but I'm just really not up to dealing with the shipping and the wait for the product ( international shipping= grumpy me. They hold your package in NY for like 2 weeks, Why?) Mascara used to be my go-to item if I wanted  a minimal-effort-but-good-finishing-touch added to my daily ensemble, but all that ended when that hot little number, pictured above, was discontinued. That's Max Factor's very own 2,000 Calorie Mascara, and it was the best mascara that I've ever used, to date. I literally used to go through tube after tube of it because I used it so often, and shared it with my mom (ssh I know, that's unsanitary, blah blah blah).

Beauty Review: True Match Super Blendable Makeup

     L’Oreal true match Super Blend-able foundation in soft sable, C6. I have had one of the best experiences with this product! It does everything a foundation should do and holds up to my oily/combination skin. The following items are a part of a criteria that details the makeup's performance:

Beauty Review: NARS Sheer Matte Foundaion in New Orleans!

      Nars cosmetics is a very good brand if your opting for foundation that provides near full coverage without the bulky feel of a typical foundation. This liquid foundation comes in 20 different shades, and because there is a broad range of colors and tones represented with this collection, it’s a market-conscious friendly brand for all beauty lovers! The shade above is called New Orleans- I chose this because it is the foundation that I regularly use in the Summer time. I have to go between Macao and this shade in the colder season, but the color is fantastic and there is not overwhelmingly greasy film after application.