WTF Beauty: e.l.f. Cosmetics Waterproof Eyeliner Pen in Black

Hello, Beautiful!

I haven't made a WTF Beauty post in a long time (the last one was in September 2010). I think I just got into the habit of making my typical review posts and then rating the product poorly that way. But I'm sorry, I'm not wasting my time writing up a review post for this product. That's why I'm making it a WTF Beauty post!

For those that don't know, WTF stands for exactly what you think it does: What The F*ck. It's usually the first thing I say when a product truly fails and disappoints me. That's why I created WTF Beauty posts. Anyhow...

I purchased this during a 50% off sale on the e.l.f. Cosmetic's website, making it just $0.50. Even spending so little, I still felt like it was a total waste of money. This was a swatch-and-toss product to me. A lot of e.l.f. Cosmetics products are like that though; they're either really great and I can't believe they are so affordable, or they are really bad and I remember that sometimes you get what you pay for.

So why does this product land in a WTF Beauty post? I'll tell ya...

The first and very obvious reason has to do with the actual shade. The pigmentation is really lacking and doesn't apply evenly. Then, after a single use (and by a single use I mean after swatching) the tip was already slightly worn. I can't imagine how it would look after a few uses. I didn't even dare use this on my eyes. I know some people use this and are happy with it, but I can't understand why.

Maybe I'm just spoiled by other liquid liners that have great pigmentation and apply smooth and even. I own both drugstore brand and high end brand liquid liners; this e.l.f. Cosmetics liquid liner was the worst I've ever tried. Maybe I just got a bad tube? It's possible, but I know I can't be the only person who didn't love this. To sum it up: I like using liquid liners, but this one is not for me!

e.l.f. Cosmetics Waterproof Eyeliner Pen

Shade: Black

Shade Description: A not very pigmented black.

  

 

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this liquid liner? Have you tried this? If so, was it better for you? Discuss in the comments below.

November 2011 GoGoGirlfriend Box

Hello, Beautiful!

My November GoGoGirlfriend shipment finally arrived today. This is my first shipment that doesn't include all the new member extras. In my October box I received 14 items and in my September box (which was also a new member box) I received 25 items. There were 6 items in my November box, although one of the items is a 5-pc set so technically my November box contains 10 items. I'm really not impressed with this month's box, but I'm still going to give them one more month to see if I want to continue my membership with them in 2012.

I want to also mention that once again, GoGoGirlfriend fails when it comes to typing up their info paper/card (this time it's a card instead of a paper). You'll see what I mean when you read the description for the Dolce & Gabbana fragrance. I know I'm not perfect in my posts, but I'm also not a company sending out information on items people are paying for. I don't know... it's the little things like that which make me feel like the company either a). Isn't very professional, b.) Don't hire the right people, or c.) They just don't care enough to make sure it's right. But anyhow...

If you're interested in signing up for GoGoGirlfriend, click here to do so. Please use my referral number when signing up: 59755

Membership is $12.99 per shipment (with premium membership; meaning you get a box each month). Or $13.98 per shipment with basic membership (you only get a box every other month) - but they list this as $6.99 per month. Don't let that confuse you; your actually paying more than the regular membership and not even getting a box every month. However, for some people this option works better so they don't commit to paying $13 every month. You'll also gain points for filling out reviews and referring more members. You can use the points towards free products, free sample boxes and even free membership months! I've already redeemed rewards to get a free box (my November box was free). They also have giveaways just for their members. Best part is, you can hold or cancel your membership at any time.

Check out my November 2011 GoGoGirlfriend Box, then let me know what you think.

GoGoGirlfriend Box - November 2011

The included info card:

This is new; most the past two boxes I received info papers; I guess they are trying to be more like Birchbox.

 

SHIPMENT QUICK STATS:
Value of Shipment: $25.22 (value is approximate)

Total # of items received: 10

# of makeup items: 2

# of nail items: 0

# of skin care items: 0

# of body care items: 7

# of hair care items: 0

# of fragrance items: 1

# of other items: 0

CAMILLE BECKMAN French Vanilla 5 Piece Gift Set

• DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: Luscious vanilla fragrance - 5 piece sampler gift pack contains Glycerine Hand Therapy, Coronet Cream, Silky Body Cream, Hand & Shower Cleansing Gel, and Bubble Bath. Wonderful as a travel pack or as a beautiful gift. Available in our store $9.99 Member Price or redeem 2,860 member points.
• MY THOUGHTS: Last month I received a Camille Beckman Travel Size Hand Therapy in Mango Beach and even though it smelled good, I didn't like the actual product (it felt too greasy). That seems to be the same basic response to this gift set. The French Vanilla smells good, but the actual products feel a little low-quality and I don't foresee myself using any of this set because I have a lot of bath & body items I like a whole lot more.
• SIZE & VALUE INFO: $12.99 non-member price; $9.99 member price in the GoGoGirlfriend Store.

OLUVFRESH Face & Body Scrub

• DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: Olive oil based body and facial scrub. OluvFresh gently exfoliates, cleanses, nourishes and hydrates at the same time. This unique scrub is formulated with ingredients to replenish and protect your skin. Available in our store $6.00 - $20.00 Member Price or redeem 1,820+ points.
• MY THOUGHTS: I was excited to receive an OluvFresh product in this month's box because in my September box an OluvFresh product was listed on my info paper but was not in my box. However, maybe I'm glad I didn't receive it because I was overwhelmed by the smell of this scrub. I guess I was expecting a different scent, but it smells... well I don't know how to describe it... a little like hamster food, a little like eucalyptus, and nothing really like olives at all. It was also very separated in the jar, as you can see in the one photo. The included little spatula thing will come in handy to mix that up. It looks like it may be a nice scrub, but I'm really sensitive to smells and this is one smell I can't get past.
• SIZE & VALUE INFO: I received the 1oz size. For 1 oz - $8.00 non-member price; $6.00 member price. For 4 oz - $25.00 non-member price; $20.00 member price in the GoGoGirlfriend store.

DOLCE & GABBANA Fragrance Light Blue

• DESCRIPTION ON INFO CARD: An astonishing fragrance that evokes the spirit of Italy, the infinite sky, the deep sea and lighthearted joy. Olive oil based body and facial scrub. OluvFresh gently exfoliates, cleanses, nourishes and hydrates at the same time. Delicate, floral & Fruity. Available in our store $60.00 - $75.00 or redeem member 15,860 points.
• **** I just want to point out that once again, GoGoGirlfriend does not proof-read their info papers/cards. I typed out the description above exactly as it is listed on the info card. And yes, they really did list part of the OluvFresh product in the Dolce & Gabbana fragrance description.
• MY THOUGHTS: I'm not a fragrance person so I didn't even open this sample. From what I can smell from the outside, it smells way too strong for my taste.
• SIZE & VALUE INFO: I received a 0.05 fl oz sample vial -- a $1.86 value. In the GoGoGirlfriend store for 1.6 oz - $65.00 non-member price; $60.00 member price. For 3.4 oz - $85.00 non-member price; $75.00 member price.

 

The rest of the items were NOT listed on the back of the info card, but they were listed on the front. I guess they just left them off because they didn't have room or something.

E.L.F. COSMETICS Eye Shadow Crease Brush

• MY THOUGHTS: I do use e.l.f. brushes, but only their studio line of brushes. Their cheap, $1 brushes aren't soft enough and shed too much, not to mention break really easily. I'll keep this brush for when my nieces come to visit and want to play around with makeup.
• SIZE & VALUE INFO: $1.00

 

CRYSTAL ESSENCE Natural Deodorant Towelette

• MY THOUGHTS: I didn't open this yet so I have no opinion on how it works, but I do like the idea. I keep baby wipes in my bag during the summer months to freshen up (they're cooling on your skin and feel great when you feel over heated), so I probably would have used this product during the summer. I'll throw this in my emergency purse kit for that maybe-need-it moment.
• SIZE & VALUE INFO: I received 1 towelette packet - a $0.42 value; in the GoGoGirlfriend store you can get a set of 24 towelettes for $10.99 non-member price; $9.99 member price.

 

BLOSSOM'S Natural Mineral Eye Shadow

• MY THOUGHTS: In both my September and October box I received samples of the Blossom Natural Mineral Eye Shadow. This month they sent a full-sized pot of it in the shade Enchantment. I really liked the pigmentation/sparkle of the past two shades, but Enchantment is not a shade I would wear. The pigment payoff was also lacking on this one.
• SIZE & VALUE INFO: $5.95 member price; $9.95 non-member price in the GoGoGirlfriend store.

 

Now let me know what you think...

Do you already subscribe to GoGoGirlfriend? If so, did you like your November shipment? If you're not a GoGoGirlfriend member, would you like to sign up? Discuss in the comments below.



e.l.f. Cosmetics Studio Kabuki Face Brush: pics, review

Hello, Beautiful!

In a recent e.l.f. Cosmetics purchase I finally added the Kabuki Face Brush to my shopping cart. It's from their Studio line of brushes, which I actually really like because of how affordable they are (especially during 50% off sales) and the fact that they work well. The Kabuki Face Brush is another e.l.f. brush that makes my "good brushes at low prices" list.

Check out my pics, stats, and review...

e.l.f. Cosmetics Studio Kabuki Face Brush

Basic stats for e.l.f. Cosmetics Studio Kabuki Face Brush:

Brush Type: synthetic haired; anti-bacterial; vegan-friendly
Cost/Availability: $5 each (although you can usually get this for 50% off during e.l.f. sales). Available on the e.l.f. Cosmetics website, as well as other e.l.f. retailers.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Kisses!



Brush Type:
This is a synthetic haired Taklon brush. Taklon is a common name for a synthetic fiber used in various brushes. It's a smooth, soft, and somewhat fragile polyester derivative devoid of any protein component or allergen elements and is therefore used in cosmetic industries as a green, vegan, allergy free or synthetic alternative to animal hair brushes. This brush is also anti-bacterial. Because this brush is softer and more absorbent, it can be used with wet or dry products.


Cost/Availability:
Just $5 at regular price, although I stock up on their Studio line during 50% off sales. Available on the e.l.f. Cosmetics website, as well as other e.l.f. retailers -- like Target.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Studio Kabuki Face Brush:
I had wanted this brush for awhile but for some reason never purchased it. I have almost all the e.l.f. Cosmetics Studio brushes so I knew I would eventually purchase it during a 50% off sale. That's exactly what happened with my last online e.l.f. purchase.

I was really happy with the brush. I think e.l.f. Studio line of brushes are really good quality for the price. They're not top-notch by any means, but they work and they work well. The Kabuki Face Brush is a nice size and is very soft. There is shedding that occurs, but that's to be expected and really not a huge deal to me.

For $5 -- just $2.50 on sale -- this is a great brush to own! I recommend picking one up during the next 50% off e.l.f. sale!

Now let me know what you think...

Do you own this brush? If so, what do you think of it? If not, would you purchase this brush?Discuss in the comments below.



e.l.f. Cosmetics Smokey Eyeshadow Palette - Party: swatches, pics, review

Hello, Beautiful!

I picked up this e.l.f. Cosmetics shadow palette at TJ Maxx a few weeks ago. It's listed as the Smokey Eyeshadow Palette, but the back of the palette has the name listed as Party. I tried looking it up on e.l.f.'s website, but couldn't find it.

Whatever it may be called, I really love this palette! The swatch photo does not do these shade justice! The bottom middle shade is my favorite -- a sparkling charcoal gray! Great pigmentation too!

Check out my pics, swatches, stats, and review...

e.l.f. Cosmetics Smokey Eyeshadow Palette - Party

Basic stats for e.l.f. Cosmetics Smokey Eyeshadow Palette in Party:
Formula: pressed-powder eyeshadows
Coverage: nicely pigmented
Wear: average
Shade Info: This palette contains 6 eyeshadows
Cost/Availability: I purchased this for $2.99 at TJ Maxx -- but I don't know what the original price was or where you can find it now.
Packaging: square black palette; see-through window to see shades; comes with a mini shadow brush; small mirror inside palette
My Rating: 5 out of 5 kisses!


Formula:
These are pressed-powder eyeshadows that are really soft and silky. They blend easily and are nicely pigmented.

Coverage:
These shadows have really nice pigmentation, especially for an e.l.f. shadow palette!

Wear:
Average wear for an eyeshadow; nothing super long-wearing but will last all day with an eyeshadow primer.

Shade Info:
This palette contains six shades, which do not have names. The top row features a warm white with shimmer, a pale aqua-blue satin, and a rich purple satin. The bottom row features a silvery sand satin, a sparkling charcoal gray, and a sparkling black. The sparkling charcoal gray and sparkling black really sparkle in person!

Cost/Availability:
I purchased this palette for $2.99 at TJ Maxx. I don't know where you could find it on its own other than trying TJ Maxx.

Packaging:
A square black palette with a see-through window so you can see the shades. When you open it up there is a small mirror on the top and an included mini shadow brush (I don't personally keep or use for eyeshadow application; I'll use it with nail art though).

e.l.f. Cosmetics Smokey Eyeshadow Palette in Party Review:
This was a palette I picked up and then put back, then picked it up again because it was so cheap that I knew I'd be mad at myself if I didn't add it to the rest of the stuff I was buying (which was Color Club polishes from the Back To Boho collection).

The colors are all very pretty and wearable. The sparkling charcoal gray is my absolute favorite and I had no idea it was so pretty until I swatched it!

In my experience, e.l.f. palettes are hit or miss and this is definitely a hit! If you can find this one I would highly recommend picking it up. You won't be disappointed!

Now let me know what you think...

Do you already own this palette? If so, what do you think? If not, do you like this palette? Discuss in the comments below.

e.l.f. Studio Pigment Eyeshadow (Breezy Blue, Tropical Teal, Naturally Nude) - swatches, pics, review

Hello, Beautiful!

I recently picked up three e.l.f. Cosmetic's Studio Pigment Eyeshadows in the shades Breezy Blue, Tropical Teal, and Naturally Nude.

Check out my pics, swatches, stats, and review...

e.l.f. Studio Pigment Eyeshadow

Shade: Breezy Blue

Shade Description: A jewel-tone navy blue satin shimmer.

 

 

 

e.l.f. Studio Pigment Eyeshadow

Shade: Tropical Teal

Shade Description: A jewel-toned teal satin shimmer.



 

 















e.l.f. Studio Pigment Eyeshadow

Shade: Naturally Nude

Shade Description: A mid-tone copper-brown satin shimmer.



 

 

 

Basic stats for e.l.f. Studio Pigment Eyeshadow:

Formula: loose shadow

Coverage: buildable

Wear: average

Shade Info: currently available in 10 shades

Cost/Availability: $3 each (0.05 oz full size); available on the e.l.f. Cosmetics website

Packaging: square jar, twist off lid, sifter, comes with a mini brush

My Rating: 4 out of 5 kisses

Formula:

These are loose-powder eyeshadows the blend very easily.

Coverage:

Very buildable - from sheer to more intense color.

Wear:

For me, without a shadow primer these are just average wear. Of course with a shadow primer (I use Too Faced Shadow Insurance) they'll stay put all day.

Shade Info:

Currently there are 10 shades available on the e.l.f. Cosmetics website.

Cost/Availability:

Just $3 each on the e.l.f. Cosmetics website, but most of the time you can get these half off.

Packaging:

Square jar with a twist-off lid. There is a sifter on top of the shadow, but you can remove the sifter if you prefer (I pop mine out with tweezers). Comes with a mini shadow brush.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Studio Pigment Eyeshadow Review:

I only paid $1.50 each, so for me these are a real bargain for what you receive. They aren't highly pigmented, although they appear that way. As you can see in the photos above when I blended them out a bit they became more sheer. Of course depending on application method you can go from sheer to intense. They build on top each other very easily and blend easily too.

The mini shadow brush that comes with it actually isn't too bad, and could be used if you didn't have any other brushes. I mean, it's not top-quality or anything but it certainly will work. I'm keeping the brushes that came with mine and usually I throw out any mini applicators because they don't work. This one does work.

Out of the three shades I own I probably like Tropical Teal the most, but then again I'm really on a teal kick right now. The Breezy Blue is also very pretty on - a pretty navy blue! Naturally Nude is pretty, but honestly not a shade I'd probably use. I want to buy a few more shades - specifically Passionate Purple and Naughty Noire.

I suggest picking up a few shades the next time e.l.f. has a 50% off sale!

Now let me know what you think...

Do you already own this pigment shadow? If not, do you want to try this out? What shade is your favorite? Discuss in the comments below.