Tarte Be MATTEnificent Palette Review ♡

Hello everyone!

So I got the Tarte Be MATTEnificent Palette a while ago, and I thought I'd do a little review on it.

I first found out about this palette when watching Zabrena's video. In this vlog, she showed a clip of her swatching this palette in Sephora. I was immediately interested in this palette because it was all matte, but what really made me want this palette was when she swatched the shadows in this palette. They were super pigmented and she said that they were really buttery in texture. Its really difficult to find good matte shadows that are super pigmented, but by the looks of the swatches in that video, this palette seemed to have good mattes. Luckily for me, I was able to stop by Sephora later that day to swatch this palette out for myself. I was blown away with the textures of these shadows, every single one of them were buttery and highly pigmented, even the lightest shade. I did a bit more research on this palette before I made up my mind to purchase it, and all the reviews I read had nothing but good things to say about this palette. So I purchased it from Sephora, where it retailed at $69.

This palette comes with 6 eyeshadows, 2 powder liners, and a blush, all of which are matte. It also comes with a double ended brush and a card showing you how to create 2 different looks using this palette. The names of the colours are super cute, with names ranging from 'sand out from the crowd' to 'don't stand black'. My favourite colour in this palette is 'two plums up', which is the last shade on the top row. This palette comes with a plastic sheet with the names of the colours on, aw well as where to place the colours on your lid.

Blush: Elevated
Shadows on top row: Sand out form the crowd (base), Peach for the stars (lid), Two plums up (Outer corner)
Shadows on bottom row: Pink outside the box (lid), Rose to the occasion (crease), View from the taupe (crease)
Liners: Dream in chocolate, Don't stand black

I've been using this palette for awhile now, and I am in love. I think this is my favourite palette out of all my others. What makes this palette special to me, besides it being completely matte, is that plum shade. All my other palettes don't have a shade similar to it, so I think it is quite clever of Tarte to add a plum shade for the outer corner colour rather than a conventional dark brown that is in most palettes. Good move Tarte! I also really like the blush. It's super wearable and goes well with any look. As for the double ended brush that comes with this palette, I like the shader side of the brush. The blending side, however, isn't for me. It is good for applying colour, but I don't like it for blending out the colour.

Overall, I give this palette two plums up (get it?). I would recommend it to everyone. If you love matte shadows and use more matte than shimmer, then go get this palette. If you love using shimmers, you should go get this palette as well, it provides good matte shades that you can use in the crease or as a little definition to complement your shimmer shadows. And if you're a makeup collector, GET THIS NOW, since it is limited edition, which I'm quite sad about. I wish it was a permanent item, and I'm sure I'd be really sad once I hit pan on any of the shadows, but I'm sure that would take a long time, since Tarte was generous enough to give 2.15g for each square pan of shadow. But still :( Anyway, I should probably mention that this is my FIRST purchase from Tarte, and I'm really impressed. I do intend to purchase another palette from them soon (but not so soon. I need a break from shopping). This palette I'm eyeing is none other than the Sultry Sunset palette (either than or the Call of the Wild palette). It retails at $63 (Singapore dollar) and I don't think it's limited edition. But yeah. I also want to try their 'Lights, Camera, Lashes' mascara as well as their 'Lash Extending Fibers'. I'll probably do reviews on any new Tarte products I get.

Okay, enough rambling. I hope you enjoyed this review and maybe it helped you decide whether or not to get this palette. In case you were wondering, this is not a sponsored review. I purchased this palette with my own money and all thoughts and opinions are my own. I'm just really impressed with the quality of the palette and stuff :)




Wanna see me get ready using this palette? Click here

Review: Sally Hansen Nail Growth Miracle Salon Strengthener

Hey guys!

I thought I would just do a little review on the Sally Hansen Miracle Growth product. I got it as I had cut my nails super duper short and I really couldn't wait for them to grow back. I thought this would be a good product to try out and see if it really does work. You apply it just like how you would apply a nail polish. They says to apply one thin coat on a BARE NAIL every other day. I've read review before purchasing this product and many said they don't see any results if you don't apply it on a bare nail, free of any nail polish or anything. I followed this instructions for about a week and so I'll basically talk about the results I got from this product.

*I must apologise for the lack of pictures. When I was actually using the product for the first time, it didn't occur to me to take a before picture and stuff as I didn't think I would do a review on it. I might have a separate post where I basically cut my nails really short again and use the product, but this time I'll take before, after and during pictures and have it up on that post.*

1 DAY AFTER FIRST APPLICATION
So here's what I did. I applied on my bare nails at night and went to bed. The next day, believe it or not, there was a visible growth of my nails. It wasn't a huge difference, like I didn't wake up with claws or anything, but I could clearly see it. Before I applied the product, my nails didn't have any of the white tip. I woke up the next day with a very small white tip. I know my own nails, therefore I know that the white tip won't grow so fast if I have cut my nails recently. This meant that the product had actually worked. I was super happy and continued to follow the instructions.

2 DAYS AFTER FIRST APPLICATION
I removed the initially coat that I applied 2 days ago and reapplied a fresh coat. The white tip of my nails was, again, slightly longer than it was the previous day. I really believed this was a miracle product and was happy that I tried it out.

3 DAYS ONWARD FROM FIRST APPLICATION
I followed the instructions and reapplied the product to bare nails every other day. However, the product seems to not work anymore. Like I said previously, I know my own nails and I know the speed they grow at. I know that by a week, they would roughly been at a certain length, and so on. Even after reapplying every other day, my nails seemed to be growing at the same speed as they would without the product. For example, the length of the white tip after a week of using the product looked exactly similar to how it would without the product. I was really disappointed as I really thought that this product would help my nails to grow faster but it seemed to stop working just after a few days of using it.

OVERALL
Overall, I do not recommend this product. This is my second product from Sally Hansen that I really do not like and find that it is a waste of money. The first was their French Manicure pen that was too watery and the colour was not opaque enough to be used for a French manicure style nail. (Review of the French Manicure set here) I think that Sally Hansen should just stick to making nail polishes as I really do LOVEEEEEEEEEEE all their different ranges of nail polishes. But I seem to always be disappointed with their other products. I know it's just two other products that I've tried beside their nail polishes, but the fact that these two products have not performed the way I thought they would really makes me doubt their other products. However, with that being said, I still may try other products from Sally Hansen just to try out and see if they work, but at the moment the only products I would recommend from Sally Hansen are their nail polishes but this is just my personal opinion.

SIDE NOTE
Like I said towards the start of this review, I may do another post where I basically cut my nails short again and use the product again, but this time I will take images of my nails along the process of them growing. I will only apply the product to one hand, and leave the nails on the other hand to grow naturally. That way you will be able to compare them side by side as they grow.

November favourites :)

Hey guys!
So its that time of the month again, TIME FOR MY MONTHLY FAVOURITES :P

-Essence Silky Touch Blush in 30 Secret It-Girl
I LOVE THE COLOUR OF THIS BLUSH :) I like that it really suits me too and looks natural :) Apart from the colour of the blush, I like the fact that it has just the right amount of pigment in it. Just a couple of swipes with your brush and you get the perfect intensity when you apply it. It's not super pigmented that even with one swipe it will make you look like our cheeks are on fire, or hardly pigmented at all to the point where you can rub your cheeks in it and there still won't be any colour on your cheeks.

-The Balm Time Balm Concealer
Before I go into why I like this concealer, I would like to say that I don't prefer this over my MAC Studio Finish Concealer which I got at the same time as this. The reason why I didn't add that into my monthly favourites is because I've been using that for a really long time and it's not really a new product that I've just tried out this month, so yeah. I love them both equally :)
But what I like about this is that it's look thick but it's actually thin and really easy to blend. It's not as creamy as my MAC Studio Finish one but it still provides good coverage :) Only thing that may be a problem is that the colour range is limited compared to MAC. For example, I got this in the lightest shade available which is light, and even The Balm's lightest shade is still darker than MAC's NW20

-Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel and Night Concentrate
After I went on my MAC and Sasa spree, I realised how much I was actually spending on all kinds of makeup. So I made a promise to myself and said that I will start spending more on skincare. So I went to purchase these products after I was flipping through a magazine. The water gel is meant for day time use and was $20.90 and the night concentrate was $25.90. I love that they really moisturise your skin and makes your skin look so much healthier. Also, I find the Night Concentrate one really convenient and hassle free as it works as you sleep, so all you have to do is apply it before you go to bed and wake up with moisturised skin! One drawback is that it made my skin super oily. I wasn't really worried about the Night Concentrate one as when you wake up in the morning you have to wash your face anyway. I was more worried about the day time one

-Neutrogena Skin Clearing Foam Cleanser
For once, I found a skin clearing wash that actually works for my skin. It is kinda drying compared to other facial washes, but maybe it has to be that way to work on my skin? Anyways, all I know is that I love it :)

-Patene Night Miracle Essence
I love that you can feel the difference in our hair the next morning when you wake up. Its not like other products that say you can start seeing results after a week or so of use. For me, I could feel the results just after the first use.

-Patene All Day Smooth Miracle Water
This is amazing going hand in hand with my Sunsilk Damage Reconstruction Leave-on Conditioner. It helps to protect my hair from heat and humidity while my Sunsilk Leave-on helps to make my hair healthier.

-Maybelline Hyper Curl Volum' Express Cat Eyes Mascara
This truly is the blackest of black and I use it over a 'base' mascara to help amplify it. However, over applying this with a thick base coat of another mascara can easily lead to clumpy lashes so always start out with a little of each mascara.

September and October Favourites :)

Hey guys! So, liked promised, I combined my Monthly Favourites for September and October together since I missed out posting my September favourites due to exams.

Garnier Pure Active Spot purifying Toner:
I love it because it really works. Despite only having one item from Garnier's 'Pure Active' range, you can really see results with it, although not as fast compared to using all products in their range. However, something I need to bring up is that it is REALLY drying, so be sure to have their moisturiser if you are planning on getting this. I find that even with regular moisturisers from other brands, it still can be drying.

Marks & Spencer 'Dreamy Days' Fragrance 25ml
This was my first time buying a fragrance from M&S but I must say I'm really impressed with it. It costed $19.90 for a 25ml bottle. It doesn't stay on forever, but it doesn't go off immediately. On the box it say 'A pretty and delicate blend of lemon and bergamot with floral heart notes of lily of the valley, honey and magnolia drying down to warm aromas of cedarwood, amber and musk.' It has been my go-to frangrance since I got it ^^

Rimmel Lycra Pro 293 POP ROSE and Essence Colour and Go in 36 Enchanted Fairy
The two most used colours these past two months. Addicted to them both! :D

Pantene Nature Care Shampoo
This was my first time using this shampoo, and usually when I use a new shampoo I never tried before, my hair will get kinda dry and unmanageable before results will show. But with this it was super soft even on the first use. Its usually really difficult to find a shampoo that works for my hair, but this definitely does!

Sunsilk Damaged Hair Reconstruction Protecting Leave On
I find this really makes your hair feel and look healthy and also gives your hair a nice 'bounce' :)

Update on my UBU Brushes

Hey guys!

Lately, I've realised that my UBU brushes are shedding. Initially when I bought it, it shed a little before and after I washed it for the first time, but I didn't think much of it. But now I have been noticing that they are shedding more :(

The brush that sheds the most amongst them is the Angled Blush Brush (No. 11) sheds the most. I noticed some loose pink bristles at the bottom of my make up bag when I recently give it a good clean. As usually, I didn't think much of it. It was only until I decided to give all of my brushes a good and proper clean that I realised the 'dark' truth of the brush. Firstly, it was shedding, a lot of bristles. Another thing, the pink dye they used to dye the bristles was running. I noticed this after I washed them as I place them on a white towel to dry. That's sucks :( The colour running isn't like super obvious as if it was like SUPER SUPER HOT PINK, but if you look closely you can clearly see the discolouration. Sigh, I didn't take any pictures and I'm too tired to continue typing, so the next time I wash my brushes, I will take a picture of the discolouration. Also, I'll show you guys the bristles that shed.

Till then, :)

Review: Items from Haul 10 August 2012

Okay guys!
It's a bright day today and as promised I'll do a review on the items I got yesterday :) So, let's begin :)

COMPARING THE TWO FOUNDATION
As you know, yesterday in the previous post, I mentioned that I prefer the Essence foundation compared to the Maybelline one. Here's why:... (By the way, the Essence one is in shade 20 Soft Nude, and the Maybelline one is in P01.
First, the finish and coverage of them. I find the Essence one gives better coverage compared to the Maybelline one. The Essence one gives more of a Medium coverage, while I find the Maybelline one giving more of a Sheer coverage. The Essence one gives more of a Satin finish, while the Maybelline one gives a Natural finish. Although the Maybelline one is my correct skin tone, I find that when applied, it makes your skin look slightly paler (maybe that's why faith told me to get the Essence Bronzer :/ ), while the Essence one gave a slightly sun kissed look, which I thought was pretty cool and thus you wouldn't need bronzer.
Next, the volume and price. The Essence one was $8.30 while the Maybelline one was $26.80 (or maybe a few cents less? Can't remember the exact price.) I wouldn't mind paying more if the foundation is really good (take MAC for example) but the fact that the Essence one is so cheap yet so awesome really helps my wallet :) Also, the Essence foundation contains 30ml while the Maybelline one contains only 25ml.
Another thing to consider, the SPF and how long it lasts. The Maybelline one has SPF 18, while the Essence one doesn't have any SPF. :( BUT, the Essence one states that it can last of 16h, but the Maybelline one doesn't state anything.
Now, just comparing other things about the foundations. First, the bottles. The Maybelline one is made of glass, while Essence one is made of plastic. So the Maybelline may not be the best one to bring if you are travelling, especially if you're gonna put it in your hand carry luggage or something. Next, the texture and consistency of the product. When I pumped out the Essence foundation, it was quite okay, like half liquid half solid, which was good cos' it didn't slide down my hand. Not like the Maybelline one. When I first pumped it out, it was like coloured water. Like literally, it came out like coloured water, even after shaking it. It was only until a few pumps later that it became better. Next, the country where it was made. The Essence one was made in France, while the Maybelline one was made in China :O Okayyyyyyyyyy, now the smell of the product. The Essence one has a nice smell, like one scented sun block I had before. I REALLY REALLY LOVE THE SMELL OF IT! But the Maybelline one is not scented :( Awwwwwwwwwwwww D;
So overall, I prefer the Essence one :D

THE STRAWBERRY YOGHURT LIP BALM
I got this for fun?? I don't really know why I got this :/ But it's quite nice, kinda similar to Baby Lips :)

THE NAIL POLISHES FROM SASA
Really cute pastel colours, although they are quite translucent, so you might needa apply a few coats :)

ESSENCE NAIL POLISHES
I haven't used any I bought yesterday, but I have some before I bought yesterday's batch, and they are awesome, so obviously the ones from yesterday will be the same :)

ESSENCE BRONZING COMPACT POWDER
I used this yesterday on the Maybelline Foundation, and it managed to add more glow to my skin (stupid thing to say, after all it is bronzer -.- ) Although I don't usually use bronzer.

ESSENCE MASCARA
Quite disappointed that it had the same disgusting smell like the mascara I previously got from the 'I LOVE' range. But besides that, it was pretty good. I think all their mascaras are highly pigmented, as even this is WAY DARKER than my Maybelline 'The Falsies' mascara.

So that's all, haven't really tried the other products. Byyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyye :)

Haul 10 August 2012 ^^

Hey hey guys! :*

So I went to Tampines 1 and Parkway today :)

This are some of the stuff I bought! Will do a separate review as it's late now and I haven't really tried most of the products :)

FROM BLOGSHOPPING
I got a pink dream catcher necklace at $6 and a light blue skull bracelet for $8 :)

Continue reading to find out where I got the other armswag :)

FROM ELITREND
I decided to go here to get some #armswag. Got them at 3 pieces for $5 :) ^^^^^ (The other bracelets in that pictures)

FROM SASA AT TAMPINES 1
Going to go through very briefly on what I got. Will do a more detailed post/video tomorrow :)
First, Maybelline Pure Liquid Mineral Liquid Foundation at $26.80 (or so)
Next, I got a Bronson Mini Hair Straighter in Pink at $16.90
Also, I got a Strawberry Yoghurt Lip Balm at $2.50 which also came in Orange or Avocado flavours
Lastly, I got 2 nail polishes which were $5 for both

 FROM WATSONS AT PARKWAY
Okay, so all the following items are ESSENCE :)
So yeah, first, the Stay All Day 16h Long Lasting Make Up in 20 Soft Nude at $8.30 (really love this compared to the Maybelline one. Will be a review on it)
Next, the Bronzing Compact Powder Matt in 02 Love to be Matt at $6.50 (or around there, maybe a couple cents off?) I didn't get the 'Bronzing Powder' because it was SUPER BIG, although this one already seems big, and I don't usually use bronzer, so I had no idea why I bought this.
Also purchased the Marble Mania Eye Shadow in 03 Swirl it, Baby! at $6 (This was the main reason why I went Essence shopping) Also wanted to get the Marble Blush, but it was OOS and most likely they won't be re-stocking as the sales lady said :(
I also bought another Gel Eyeliner Brush as I REALLY REALLY LOVE THEM! One was at $3.30 and I bought the last one on the shelf
I decided to try their gel liner since I got their brush. Really wanted Black colour, but the only ones available were like a metallic brownish colour or grey, so I got the brown one. One was at $6.50 (or so)
I got the Eye Pencil in 02 Hot Chocolate for days where I don't want the intense winged eye liner look. One was $4.30
Got another mascara, this one was their best seller, the Multi Action Mascara which was $5.40
Lastly, I went crazy with the nail polishes cos' for once, there were more than 10 colours instock! One was at $2.80, I bought 5. So do the maths :P (Colours listed in the pictures)

FROM DAISO AT TAMPINES 1
Just got some stuff for my make up storage :) And a book!

Love :*