Ang's Fav Spring/Summer Lipsticks for 2014 - Drugstore Edition (Part II)

Hola Beauty Gems!

As promised, I'm delivering part II of my fav spring/summer lippies from the drugstore. Narrowing down the options has been really hard.  Everytime I thought I was good with the choices, I just changed my mind all over again. Just tonight I brought some more and found new loves...ughhh.  At some point, just have to cut things off (the list that is not my beauty obsessions with more lipsticks).  Anyway on to the next set of favorites.

All of the following lipsticks are from the Maybelline Color Sensational line.  Since I discovered Maybelline Color Sensational (CS) a few years back, I've been hooked.  Maybelline hit a home run with this line of lipsticks.  I'm so very happy for the success and that they've continued to add more color options.  You really can't beat the quality and price of these lipsticks.  So here's what I love:

Let's begin with my everyday go-to and absolute favorite Magnificent Mauve (430). By far, for me one of the best colors from the Maybelline CS line.

This beautiful mauve is so versatile and can go very well with pretty much all skin tones.  It's a cool tone color but not too extreme that lighter skin tones can't easily wear this.  I've had days where I've thrown this on in the car with no lip liner and been good for hours.  Pair this with a lip liner and the color is in for the long haul.  Even better, absolutely a color you can wear year round. Ahhh...I just can't say enough.

Next is Fuchsia Fever (140); the bright beauty of the bunch. Don't be shy strutting your stuff in this lipstick. Talk about a statement maker!!  This color is not AS versatile as the previous one.  While most skin tones can wear the color, the blue undertone can make need for very fair or dark skin tones to tone this down by pairing with another lipstick and/or lip liner.  Otherwise, it's amazing. As well, this color is primarily ideal for spring/summer season.  Go ahead and show off your inner "Barbie" in this showstopper.

My next top lipstick is Mauve It Up (440). Another selection from the Plums CS collection. Another mauve just with a sheen finish.  A great alternative I gravitate to when I want a more noticeable finish without gloss. An absolute 365 day option that's GORGEOUS!!!

Now let's get into Party Pink (155).  Party Pink is one of those shades that can appear lighter or darker from day to night. For daytime, it's a beautiful mauvy pink that pairs well with a subdued daytime or beauty queen extreme eye look. There's no liner needed with this pink jewel of color.  

Moving right along to Brazen Berry (905).  Form the CS Brights collection.....it's purple power!!  I purchased this color last August.  The first thing I said to myself was "a signature color that I'll have and love for a very long time".  Brazen Berry has summer written all over it.  My lip swatch looks totally different then the swatch from my arm (that's the most accurate one).  While this color isn't necessarily bright, it's still very bold.  You can tone it down with a lighter application but not by much.

We're down to the final 2 which are from the Maybelline Color Elixir collection.  These were the first 2 I purchased when the collection was released. First we have Vision in Violet (040).  I just can't get enough of the purple/plum colors.  This elixir goes on smooth and evenly leaving excellent coverage with a single application. Less is more in this case.....it packs an immediate punch.  The packaging is very sleek, compact and easy to travel with.  I love it!!!

So we're ending our drugstore series of lippies with Raspberry Rhapsody (030). Such a sweet berry beauty.  I like this for the bright, glossy finish.  As well, it's just enough color without being too much.  I wear this when I want a statement color without being overpowering. 

Well gems that wraps up my fav spring/summer lipstick drugstore series.  Thank you thank you for taking the time to stop by and tune in for my 411.  It's greatly appreciated for every minute you take time to read my posts.  It's greatly appreciated.

I'll be posting a shorter high-end series within the next few days.  Trying to get a few days worth of blogs done so you gems will have a daily dose while I'm on vacation!!!  With that said, make sure you stay in the know with the latest beauty dish by following me via Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest @AngBeauty411.

Enjoy the rest of your evening and as always....happy shopping gems!!!

Ang's Fav Spring/Summer Lipsticks for 2014 - Drugstore Edition (Part I)

Hello Hello Gems -

Hope everyone is doing well.  I've really missed you guys. I've been MIA traveling on business etc. etc.  My vacation is only a week away.  I'm now playing catch up on blogging to have enough to post while away.  I so enjoy sharing my love of beauty and giving you my 411 on the good, bad and amazing. Now I realize just how tedious (as well as rough on the lippies) doing lip swatches can be. But my love of beauty and giving you guys in-depth reviews keeps me going.

For this blog series, I picked out quite a few lipsticks.  I love so many that it was hard to narrow it down. So I thought why not just do a 2-part blog.  I'm sure you beauty gems don't mind right?

I'm so so very excited for spring and summer.  It's been a very long and awful winter. So much so that guess what??? We actually got a sprinkling of snow in my area last night.....RIDICULOUS.  Oh Mother Nature....just what kind of qualms are you going through?? Anyway today is better so I'm trying to stay optimistic.  Enough babbling and on to the good stuff.

This blog is solely focused on my favorite Milani colors for spring/summer.  As many of you already know, Milani is a very well-known drugstore cosmetic line.  There's not too many Milani products I don't own or am not in love with. Please keep in mind that the lip swatches may appear brighter for some colors. Therefore, I included swatches on my skin to get a more accurate color view.

The following 4 lipsticks are my favs for the upcoming seasons:

Sweet Nectar (01) -  Orange is one of a few signature colors of spring/summer.  The thing I love about this color is that this color is wearable with most skin tones...wanna know how?? All it takes is a little lip liner. For those of you that can where a bright orange lipstick as is.....perfect.  You can just apply as little or as much as you like and keep it moving.

Others that either want to wear an orange but just aren't into the bright shade; you can use a lip liner (a shade or two darker to tone it down).  I also sometimes pair this with another lip color just to give the orange a different tone. Sounds crazy?  Not really it's just a matter of knowing what colors go together.  Maybe I'll do a separate blog post on how to wear colors with different skin tones.

Flirty Fuchsia (16) -  Now we're really getting into some bold territory. This is the kind of color you wear for an outdoor weekend event or a night out on the town.  You can certainly wear this color during the day; just probably more so suited for after work or weekends. However, you can get away with incorporating this color with a daytime look....just apply a lighter application. Keep in mind....the heavier the application, the more color intensity you'll get.

This is also a great color for those wanting something bright but not staining.  Everyone is different.  You may be the type that just wants color in the moment and be done with it by the end of the day.  Flirty Fuchsia does just that.  While swatching I was able to remove the color with ease.

I saved the best 2 for last!!!!!

Violet Volt (34) -  One of my favorites as well as a perfect drugstore representative of the 2014 color of the year (Radient Orchid).  If you're looking to make an even bigger statement....here's your color. A few things that make this color amazing.....vibrant color payoff (a little goes a long way), finish (this sheen finish is not too over the top....just enough to give it some shine). All you need is a neutral eye with this color and your ready to hit the town. 

Uptown Mauve (20) -  On my lips, the picture makes the color appear alot brighter than it is.  The swatch on my skin is more true to color.  Keep in mind that this is a color that stains. Thankfully, this was the last color swatch of the night.  When I removed the lipstick from my lips, their was still alot of color remaining.  It actually took a little effort to remove the color completely (nothing that a makeup remover wipe couldn't take right off).  I actually really love that.  If you're anything like me, I'm not a huge fan of reapplying lipsticks every hour.  This is one you can apply, go out, eat and still be in tact.  Whether you want to reapply to restore the color intensity is up to you.

All of the above colors are wonderful (that's why I made them a home in my cosmetic case).  What makes Milani lipsticks so great....quality, price, color variety and finishes.  I swear by Milani lipsticks and will always keep them in rotation.  If you haven't already, be sure to give these colors a try. You'll be sure to fall in love with them.

I'll have Part II posted tomorrow. You always know that you can stay tuned for the latest and greatest in all things beauty by following me via Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest @AngBeauty411.  Enjoy the rest of your day and as always.....Happy Shopping!!!

Day 19 - Ulta's 21 Days of Beauty Steals

Good Morning Beautiful Gems -

TGIF!!!  Time is quickly ticking away and our 21 days of beauty steals is ending soon.  I've had such a great time sharing with you all the latest on daily deals, product suggestions, etc.  It's a been alot of fun. So while we still have the chance, let's relish in another day of steals.

Today's steals are from Too Faced Cosmetics and Exuviance. The Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush is only $15 (50% off; regular price $30). If you haven't already jumped on the TooFaced bandwagon, it's never too late to join in.  This is another brand I truly love.  Their products are top notch. I've never been disappointed with any product from Too Faced. I'm a huge fan of their palettes.  The shadows and bronzers are pigmented, apply with ease and very versatile.  You can create many different looks from even their smallest palettes. OK I know I'm rambling.  I just can't say enough great things about them.




With that said, you won't be disappointed with this bronzer.  This product is a fairly new release (maybe 2 months or so).  For $15, it's a no-brainer....buy it, try it, love it and won't be able to live without it.  Too Faced products can quickly become a staple in anyone's beauty must-haves. A few suggestions to try out:

• Chocolate Bar Palette...Yummy and beautiful
• Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara...A MUST HAVE

You can also purchase the Exuviance Targeted Filler T5 for only $49 (regular price $75; available online only). I tried a few skin products from Exuviance and they were stellar.  If you're taking a trip to Ulta today, here's a few suggestions on Exuviance products to try:

• CoverBlend Multi-Function Concealer
• Purifying Cleansing Gel

 

Today's in-store events are featured by Too Faced, Urban Decay, Lancome and Dermalogica.  Please be sure to check which local stores in your area are hosting events (only select stores are doing so).  I was in Ulta last night doing some more "testing".  I'm working on a blog to review all the products I've purchased during the 21 Days of Beauty Steals....coming soon!!

That's all for now.  Be sure to stay tuned for the latest and greatest by following my blog and via Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest @AngBeauty411.  Enjoy the rest of your Friday and as always....happy shopping!!