Hard Candy Mouthing Off Sheer Lip Shine in "Scoop"- 8/10

 I am so in love with this lip gloss!  Ever since my dog Jake ate my newly purchased Lip glass from MAC, I have been on the search for something similar yet affordable in the event Jake gets into my glosses again.  After wandering around the makeup section in Wal-mart, I gladly stopped at the glitzy Hard Candy display and came across my new lip gloss crush.  As I walked to my car, I excitedly unraveled the plastic wrapping on the gloss and unscrewed the lid as the luxurious scent of vanilla cupcakes now surrounded me.  I'm sure other shoppers were confused by my state of bliss in the parking lot but I was unconcerned as I swiped the creamy substance on my lips.  I gazed in my review mirror (and every other mirror in my path in the next few hours) in awe.

This gloss not only looks exactly like the gloss I had recently purchased for much more at MAC, but it tasted and smelled better too!  Typically, the gloss wears for 3-4 hours without food or drink but towards the end begins to gather in the lipline, hence contributing to the 8 instead of a 10.  One other drawback to the gloss in the unimpressive list of ingredients.  Anyone who knows me knows that I avoid products containing mineral oil as much as possible as it has drying effects but I have managed to overlook this flaw for this gloss.  I still continue to use my Vitamin E once or twice a week for sincere moisture but do not find this gloss to be overly drying.  Hard Candy has around 15 colors to choose from in the Mouthing Off Sheer Lip Shine line, but I'm convinced that the "Scoop" flavor is the best.  This gloss looks great as a contrast to a smokey eye but as you can see in my low quality quick picture of myself below, it doesn't look half bad with a clean face look.   

Hard Candy is not sold at many locations.  Please see online options below, otherwise visit your local Wal-Mart.  

Purchase from Amazon

Purchase from Walmart- Please note that this website calls the color "Creamy Beige"

Eye Kandy Cosmetics- 10/10

I recently came across this line at the Premiere Beauty Show in Orlando and instantly fell in love!  Since I am always openly honest, I must tell you that Eye Kandy is not for everyone.  It is designed for those who have a love for glitter and glam although they do have colors that aren't quite as loud and have minimal shine!  The difference between these eye glitters and others is the specially formulated sugar water that keeps the glitter in place.  There's no more of that "glitter on your cheeks" look- the glitter stays where applied.  The kit comes with a miniature brush, your choice of colors and the amazing sugar water with a price dependent upon the amount of colors selected, though extremely affordable.  I find that these are best applied over a light similarly color eyeshadow and eyeliner.  Simply drop a few drops of the sugar water into the container's lid, wet the brush, dip in your choice of color and smooth across eyelid.  For a dramatic look, it will take a couple of wipes over each eyelid. Let dry before moving on to the next eye to avoid any clumping in the creases. Choose from numerous impeccable colors and get ready for all of the compliments on those gorgeous peepers of yours!   You can thank me later!  ;)

http://www.eyekandycosmetics.com/

 

http://www.blingmenow.com/products/Eye%20Kandy.htm 

 

E.L.F. Mineral Eyeshadows- 9/10

 At about $3.00 a color, this is an absolutely dreamy line of shadows!  The consistency is similar to that of Bare Minerals and the colors are just as bright.  The only slight difference would be that the application seems a bit messier than Bare Minerals, but again, for $3, who can complain?  Once the color is applied, it is long lasting.  Living in Florida, it is hot and humid but my eyes never cease to sparkle when wearing these shadows.

I prefer the shimmery colors solely based on my personality but they have lovely matte mineral shadows as well.  They are best applied with an eyeshadow brush and the company has no shortage of those available.  All E.L.F. products are economically priced and really do provide more bang for your buck!  E.L.F. stands for "Eyes Lips Face" for all of you still pondering over the acronym.  I have included a picture of the brush container I purchased, along with the brush cleaner (that I have not opened as you can see- lazy me!).  They offer every color imaginable; there are so many in fact, that I can't seem to choose a favorite.  Perhaps you can be the judge of that when you purchase your own!  :)



http://www.eyeslipsface.com/minerals/eyes/eyeshadow