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February 2015 Favorites

by How She Styles March 5, 2015

I have mixed feelings about February being over. On one hand, February was a lovely month that I had a ton of fun in, but it needed to be spring yesterday so I’m glad to say hello to March! This month I didn’t have a ton of favorites, but the ones I do have I’m really in love with!

Fashion Favorites

High Waisted Jeans from H&M

Recently got these after I realized high-waisted pants and I were meant to be together. I used to hate H&M pants; they were cut really small, especially at the calf. The newer style is tight, but H&M must have changed up the fit because these pants are great! They are the perfect high waist, and the black is just barely faded. I wish H&M offered a distressed pair, but I am pretty sure that the perfect pair of jeans doesn’t exist, so I stopped searching a long time ago. Anyway, I really love this fit, and this pair means two old pairs get to be donated! Can’t wait to get my spring cleaning started!

Necklace from H&M

I got this necklace during the same trip as the jeans, and this was really a diamond in the rough. It was literally the only one I could find, so if I can’t find a link I’m sorry! Anyway, I just loved how delicate and intricate it looked. I don’t have anything like this, and it’s pretty simple for a statement necklace so I can wear it with a lot of different things.

Beauty Favorites

Jordana Easy Liner for Lips

I know I talked about that one lipliner last month, but I bought a few more before this month started, and it’s official: I cannot get enough of these! They are so creamy and smooth, and there are so many colors! Did I mention they are only like two dollars? I want to buy every color and give one to everyone I know! As you can probably tell I really like these, but I promise to wait a few more months before I bring them up again.

L’Oreal True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Foundation

I bought this foundation because I was running out of my Revlon Colorstay and I wanted to try something with a dewier finish. I saw this one on a video review on YouTube for girls with dry skin by Alyson Biggs, and Alyson said it was her favorite. It seemed like a good recommendation, since her skin looked gorgeous and glowing.

After trying it myself I was very pleasantly surprised. It also gave me a dewy finish, while still being light and smooth. I fell in love with the finish, and it gives me just enough coverage. I wouldn’t say this is full coverage, but it gives me an even complexion.

Garnier Skin Renew 5 Second Blur Instant Smooth Primer

I was on a search for primers that filled my pores and would give my skin a smooth texture when I found this product. I picked this up after I almost finished my sample size on The Porefessional. I chose this because I had seen a few really great reviews of it, including from Emilynoel83 on Youtube. I have only been using this for a month, but I am obsessed with it! I just love how it makes my skin look and feel.

Colourpop Super Shock Eyeshadow in Bill

After learning about Colourpop, I needed to try their products, I am obsessed with their lippie stix and lippie pencils, but what really impressed me was their eyeshadows. I love the texture, it is a mousse texture but a little more firm. The shade I bought that is a plummy taupe and it is perfect on the crease or on the lid. It blends out so beautifully and I just can’t get enough. I can’t wait to get my hands on some more shades!

Ciate Ice Cream Collection Nail Polist Set

For Valentines Day, my boyfriend picked me up an adorable set of nail polishes. There are five shades including mauve, orange, indigo, teal, and a light pink. I love these because they are such high quality that the light colors are not sheer at all!

Tell me what your favorites were in February in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe!

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Best and Worst Matte Lip Products + Swatches

by How She Styles February 28, 2015

A matte lip is a huge trend right now and all the cosmetic companies are jumping on board. I also have a love for the matte lip, so I have tried quite a few. Here are my best and worst of the matte lip trend.

Best Matte Lip Products

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks (Berlin Pictured)

I was blown away by the long wear of this lipstick. I wore this for over 12 hours and only needed to reapply it twice. It felt bulletproof through eating and drinking all day long. It only faded slightly in the middle of the lips, and I was able to reapply with ease, though it did get a little cakey when I reapplied it the second time around hour ten. This line has a shade range with a little of everything, with Lolita as its most popular shade. I will be buying at least one more of these, but will probably purchase as many as I can get my hands on.

Maybelline Creamy Mattes Lipstick (Touch Of Spice Pictured)

People basically lost their minds when this formula came out, and for good reason. This color range is relatively small considering the amount of colorsensational lipsticks in Maybelline’s regular line, but it has all the classic shades everyone loves. A cool-toned pink, a deep wine, and a mauvey brown-toned pink were just a few of the shades that were very popular. This formula is creamy, light, and doesn’t dry out the lips. These colors will stay on your lips for up to five hours before you have to reapply, and they don’t get cakey. Finally, if you are not a fan of the scent of the original Maybelline lipstick, these are a little less noticeable. You need to go out and try this great drugstore formula yourself!

Milani Color Statement Moisture Matte Lipsticks (Matte Naked Pictured)

Milani matte lipsticks have a small range of shades, but the options include a great variety of nude, pink, purple, and red tones. I was pleasantly surprised when I realized how creamy these are; They glide over the lips and leave a pure matte finish. My only gripe is that they don’t wear very long, so you have to reapply, but they don’t seem to get cakey at all. In addition, these lipsticks don’t have the same scent as the original, so if you weren’t a fan of that, you may want to give Milani another chance with the matte formula.

Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain (07 Cherry Blosson Pictured)

Amelia Liana from YouTube loves this line especially in the shade 01—a gorgeous red shade. They recently expanded the line to include about … (ten to fifteen) shades. The one thing that bothered me about this line was that the color on the lips does not look the same as the product does in the tube. When I bought one, I thought it would be a dusty rose shade, but it turned out to be a bright cool-toned pink. I forgot to swatch it at the store and I was very surprised. The product itself is pretty nice; it’s not very drying and leaves a nice stain after it fades. I would get another shade from this line, but I would have to swatch at the store first.

Rimmel Show Off Matte Lip Velvets (Meteoric Matte Pictured)

The originals of this line were raved about, so when the matte formula came out, I had to try them. I am in love with the colors, but the formula can get cakey after reapplying so many times. Another issue is that it bleeds a bit outside the lips, so I would wear a lip liner next time. There are only five or so colors, but the two I have, I really enjoy wearing. Every time I wear Meteoric Matte I get compliments, and Atomic Rose is perfect for everyday. Check out my full review!

Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon (Glace Pictured)

If you haven’t heard of Bite Beauty, you are missing out! Bite beauty is a company that makes all of their products out of food-grade ingredients, which means you can eat it, but you won’t want to eat these creamy matte lipsticks. I love the shade selection ( I think there are about 12 shades) and they are sooo creamy on the lips. I would say they are comparable to the Maybelline’s mentioned above. They have a subtle scent and the packaging is simple and sleek. They last up to six hours before you’ll need to reapply. These fade evenly and are not cakey after reapplication, and though they have a high price tag, they are definitely worth a try.

NYX Matte Lipsticks (Whipped Caviar Pictured)

The shade selection is probably my favorite part of this line. There are so many colors to choose from that work on so many different skin tones. The formula is pretty darn creamy and lasts pretty well on the lips. When I do need to reapply, I can just apply right on top of my existing product because this doesn’t get cakey after reapplication. Their nude and pink tones are probably my favorites.

NYX Matte Lip Creams (Antwerp Pictured)

If you want a bright matte lip, go for these matte lip creams. This line has a smaller color range, but so many fun bright colors. The formula has a cake batter scent that I love to smell, but it’s strong so if you are sensitive you may not like it. As for application these apply in like a mousse texture and then dry down matte. They don’t transfer easily, but when they do you’ll have to remove it all before reapplication because it can get cakey.

Worst Matte Lip Products

Jordana Modern Mattes (Matte Pretty Pictured)

This isn’t exactly bad, there are just a lot of things that are better. First off this is a demi matte finish which means it’s just a regular lipstick with a fancy name. I do like the feel on the lips it’s not very drying and it’s a very light formula. The colors are hit or miss, some are creamy while some apply patchy. However, if you do get a shade you like grab it because these lipstick are only two or three dollars. Overall they are nothing special, but for three dollars they aren’t bad.

Wet and Wild Megalast Lipsticks (C905D Pictured)

Another matte formula with a cheap price tag like the Jordana Modern Mattes, but these are waaay more drying. This formula if like rubbing chalk on your lips and it shows every crack and line. These may be pigmented and cheap, but they are not worth it if you won’t wear them.

Lime Crime Velvetines (Wicked Pictured)

Everyone raves about these, but honestly the cons outweigh the pros on this one. First of all they are pretty darn drying, and not just after several hours of wear, but as soon as the product dries. I always wear lip balm with matte formulas and it just didn’t help with this one. Another problem I had was it bleed outside my lips even when I wore a lip liner. It was crazy! A few hours later my lips were looking like I had eaten some serious cherry filling it was gross. I will give this product one thing: it is long wearing. The inside of the lips will fade after eating something greasy or a few hours of wear, but that outer ring requires actual make up remover so beware. Finally the color range is so small: it only has like seven colors. Not worth the 21 dollar price tag.

What are your favorite matte formulas? Do you prefer regular lipstick or liquid for that perfect matte finish? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe!

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Cult Beauty Products: Are They Worth The Hype?

by How She Styles February 19, 2015

We all hear about cult beauty products. They are the ones that everyone seems to rave about and there is a large following for. I tested a few out to see if they are actually worth the hype.

Benefit The POREfessional

This is a silicone-based primer that is meant to fill your pores and make your skin’s texture appear smoother. This has been a cult favorite for many years and after trying the sample size, I know why. It does indeed smooth your skin especially over your pores. The silicone texture is velvety. The only problem with this product is its price tag. The sample size is ten dollars for .25 oz, the regular size is .75 oz for thirty one dollars and for a whopping 1.5 oz is forty two dollars according to Sephora’s website. That is completely crazy to me. Right now I trying something similar, The Garnier 5 Second Blur Skin Renew Primer, that was eighteen dollars for 1oz. This is a total bargain compared to the Porefessional, but I need to try them both more before I put them head to head. Overall, this cult classic does work, but the price may not work for everyone.

Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volume

Kathleen from Kathleenlights on YouTube loves this mascara and so do many of you, so I decided to try this. I don’t understand the hype after trying this. The mascara does give volume, however, it leaves small flakes throughout the lashes and it looks clumpy and just doesn’t look right to me.

Revlon Colorstay Foundation – dry skin formula

I bought this foundation after so many reviews said it was nice for dry skin. I have been using it for a few months and I really like it. It’s a full coverage foundation that doesn’t look cakey, which is my number one concern with foundation. It also doesn’t cling to dry patches and it’s long wearing. I will say this is worth the hype.

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

This concealer is often compared to the Nars creamy concealer, so if you like that you will probably like this drugstore concealer. This formula is light, easily blendable, and very smooth on the skin. I am in love with this concealer and it is definitely worth the hype.

Batiste Dry Shampoo

This dry shampoo is loved by many a fashion blogger, and for good reason. For me, this dry shampoo worked better than any other dry shampoo I have ever used. I use the dark brown version so it doesn’t leave a white cast on my hair, and this always gives my hair volume and a less greasy feel. It definitely deserves the cult classic title.

Fresh Rose Tinted Lip Balm

People love this balm for the sheer wash of color and moisturizing qualities. Though after I did like the rose version’s sheer wash of color, it was not very moisturizing. For the price of these lip balms, I would skip them and go for the Maybelline Baby Lips. I do not understand the hype.

L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara The Original

I have heard of this mascara being used by many popular beauty bloggers like Nicole Gueirerro, so I finally decided to try it out when I ran out of mascara. So far so good, but nothing special. I need to try this one out a bit more before I can tell if it’s worth the hype. A post about my favorite mascaras is coming soon.

What are your favorite cult beauty products? Which ones should I try next? Let me know in the comments below.

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Beauty

Top Five Most Used Eye Products

by How She Styles January 30, 2015

I use quite a few eye products when doing my makeup everyday, but these five are definitely the ones I use the most. Let me know your most used eye products in the comments below, and be sure to subscribe for more posts like this!

Milani Eyeshadow Primer

I recommend this primer for anyone starting out in makeup. It’s lightweight, easy to use and sheers out well, so it can be used on any skin tone. It’s also a drugstore product, so it’s only six or seven dollars. I have used this everyday since I got it and I think it is just as good as the high-end stuff. This primer keeps your shadow looking vibrant all day long.

Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Trooper

This is a cult favorite for good reason: it is very easy to use. If you are not an expert at winged liner, you need this in your life. It makes getting that winged look so much easier. It’s not the most “true” black formula, and it is not waterproof by any means, but it stays on for a very long time. Since I have watery eyes, I would prefer a waterproof product, but for now this is my favorite liquid liner.

Jordana 12 HR Made to Last Liquid Eye Pencil

This is a new find, and I only have it in the color “Jade Jewel” because it was on sale, but I can’t ignore its awesome formula. If I need an eyeliner pencil, I always reach for this, even though it’s green. It is so creamy and smooth that there is absolutely no drag across the lid. It’s also waterproof, which can be hard to find in eyeliner in general. I need to get more of these.

e.l.f Eyebrow Kit in Medium

This was my first eyebrow product, but I still reach for it all the time. I love the combo of a tinted wax with a lighter powder to set it. The kit also comes with a small dual-ended brush with one side angled and the other side a fluffier brush for the shadow. I use my own angled brush, but the powder brush is the perfect size for my brows. As you all know, e.l.f is darn cheap, so it’s a great bargain as well. I think this kit was three or four dollars, and I am going to use it until the pan in completely bare.

Lorac Pro Palette

I have a few palettes, but this one is by far the most well-rounded. It has 16 shadows with 8 mattes and 8 shimmers. Most palettes have a least one shadow that you’ll never end up using, but that’s not the case with this product. Every shade is super pigmented and buttery smooth. A common complaint is that the shadows are so soft that they can get a bit powdery, but I have only found that to be the case with some of the colors, and for those I just use a lighter hand. Other than that, this palette is the best forty two dollars I have ever spent on a beauty product.

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New Beauty At The Drugstore

by How She Styles January 6, 2015

Drugstore cosmetic brands are bringing out a ton of new products for the New Year and its getting me really excited! I only have a few so if you guys know of any new products that are really great let me know in the comments below!

L’Oreal Brow Plumper Stylist Brow Gel in Medium to Dark– I have been on the hunt for some really nice brow products from the drugstore, and this one has been working pretty great so far. Let me just say I love this brush, it is small enough that the gel does not get anywhere outside of my lashes. I also love the color it is dark, but not so dark that my brows look painted on. I with this product I feel like my brows look good, but not over done. It also really keeps your brows in place. If you use too much and get your brows too stiff, just use a spare spoolie to brush the through your brows. I really like using this when I am have a relaxed makeup day with just mascara and lip balm. I can just brush on my brows and go.

Almay Smart Shade Butter Kiss Lipstick in Light/Medium Berry

I love products that are made for each skin tone because its sometimes really hard to see if something will match you just based on what you see in the tube. So, when I say this new Almay lip product I was intrigued to say the least. It is indeed a berry tone, but its not super pigmented. I was watching reviews about this and it seems the darker shades are less pigmented while the lighter shades are more true to color. They are definitely hydrating and I will get some use out of this, but I think this may be my only purchase from this line.

Rimmel Show Off Lip Velvet in Meteoric Matte

I heard about these and immediately went to my drugstore to pick one up. Truly I wanted two shades, but they were sold out of the other one I wanted. Thankfully, this color is so gorgeous that I don’t even care anymore! I heard great things about the original Rimmel lip lacquers but never got around to pick any up. When the matte line came out I jumped at the chance to try them because there are so few matte lip lacquers at the drugstore. I was not disappointed. These are light and SUPER pigmented, but not long wearing. These last about three hours without eating or drinking which isn’t bad. I would also suggest some lip liner underneath to avoid feathering. Overall I was really satisfied with this and I may have to go back and pick up one of the other four shades.

Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick in Primrose

The HD lipsticks are something different from Revlon because lets face it, when was the last time they came out with a new lipstick line? I love this shade and if you want to see a full review with lip swatches make sure to check out my review of the Revlon HD Lipsticks.

Jordana Modern Matte Lipstick in Matte Pretty (Can’t find a link where to buy online, so here’s a link to where to find them in store!)

I may have gone a little matte crazy at the drugstore, but I haven’t heard anyone talking about these so I had to pick one up! The formula is pretty creamy and light, but I haven’t had enough time to figure out the wear of these lipsticks. I know that Jordana is a sister company of Milani and they just came out with some matte lipsticks (which I have searched high and low for!) so maybe they are similar, I am definitely going to be comparing the two formulas. Overall I like this lighter matte shade and I feel like this Jordana line had a pretty good variety when it came to shade selection featuring a few nudes, a few deep tones, some pinks, and finally a couple red tones. I really like what this brand has come out with and I am excited to try more!

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