What I'm Loving...Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eye Shadow in Bella Violet

Hey Beauty Gems -

It's THURSDAY!!!  Your girl AngBeauty 411 here to share the 411 on all things beauty. I'm going to make this post short and sweet (currently working on a more in-depth review of this product).  Today I am falling in love with the new Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eye Shadows.  Milani recently released this line of new eye shadows.  There are 30 total shadows to choose from and four different finishes (iridescent metallic, satin matte, and shimmer).

For the summer season, I've been in love with my purples. There's no surprise that Bella Violet was one of the first colors I was instantly attracted to. Bella Violet is outstanding.  It's great pigmentation and easy application makes it an A+ .  So far, I've worn these colors for 12+ hours on very humid days.  I can safely say these colors did not budge.

For only $3.99, the color selection is out of this world.  Beauties on a budget can purchase as many colors as their heart desires.  You can purchase these online at Milani , in CVS, Target and other drugstores where Milani products are sold.

Stay in the know by following me via Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook @AngBeauty411.  Enjoy the rest of your day and as always...happy shopping!!!

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!!!

CVS Mini Haul

Hello Beauty Gems -

First off, let me say "Happy Valentine's Day" (almost an hour late) to you all.  I appreciate each and every one of you that take time to stop by and read my blog randomness.  You are wonderful, beautiful people that I adore and am very thankful for...your the besties!!! I hope all is well with all my gems.  I've been braving the annoying, horrific snow storms hitting the east coast. I'm sooo not a fan of winter.  I can say the consensus in my area is "I'm over it already!!!"  Anywho, what's a gem to do when your snowed in under 15 inches of snow???? Blog I guess.  So here is goes....

I paid a visit to me local CVS store today (once I dug out my baby).  I'm running low on alot of beauty things.  Just trying to wait it out because I want to do one big trip to Ulta/Sephora.  I do so to ensure I take advantage of my points and any coupons. So let's dig in to what I picked up...

First off, let's start with primers.  You gems have heard all the craze over YouTube and other social media about these 2 primers....Maybelline Baby Skin & Rimmel Stay Matte Primer.  OMG...could this be my late Christmas wish coming true??? Finding a drugstore primer that satisfies ALL my needs??? REALLY?? Hmmm we'll see soon enough.  Word on the street is that both of these are great contenders with their high-end competitors. I dunno Benefit Porefessional is a beast...love of my beauty life!!! I'm up for the challenge though. Primer review coming soon.

Next in line is....Milani Brilliant Shine Lip Glosses.  So I only picked up 4 of the 12 in the total collection.  I'm sorry, I couldn't resist.  What was I supposed to do.  Everytime I see a new make-up (MU) product that's on sale....it's a wrap....sold!!!  At least I've narrowed down my MU obsessions to lip gloss and foundation, right??? Ohhhhh He&&&& no!!  My MU obsession reaches all realms of beauty....just staying true to my vices.  Anywho......I picked up these beauties because I just couldn't resist....Berry Tempting, Ravish Rapsberry, Luminous AND Mauve Fetish.  They look absolutely GORG in a packaging.  Review on these to follow soon.

Rounding out my haul with the Rimmel ScandalEyes Fiber Formula Show Off Mascara.  Everywhere I turn, everybody and their mother has a new "volumuous" mascara.  Ummm NEWS FLASH....I'm speaking for the minority that have the tiny, no-show lashes that need length AND volume (hence why I wear falsies all day, everyday).  Lately, I've been on this Rimmel kick...see my latest "What I'm Loving Blog" on another Rimmel fav. I've purchased another new Rimmel mascara....Review on that coming soon.

Well gems, that completes today's haul.  Be sure to stay up to date with the latest and greatest by following me via Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest @AngBeauty411.

Till next time......Happy Shopping!!!!!

Nudes With Attitude

Hello Beauty Gems!!! Welcome to another edition of Ang's Beauty 411. For this installment, I thought I'd share some of my fav nude lipsticks. I refer to them as "nudes with attitude" because they aren't necessarily the standard nude lipstick. Meaning, I feel, they give you a little more color, more defined look with a shine or satin finish.

So I sifted through my collection of lippies and here are my nudes....

Starting with nudes from the new Maybelline Color Sensational "The Buffs" collection. I am CRAZY about this collection. Similar to the other colors from the color sensational collection, they give your lips moisture, shine and a very polished look. 

Pictured here are the following (from left to right): Maple Kiss (925), Touchable Taupe (940) aka my new go-to nude, Untainted Spice (950). These you might consider more of a brown nude...your right.  The one thing I really like about this particular collection was it's versatility. You can find a great nude to suit most skin tones.  A definitely plus in my book...catering to a broader audience of gems.  An A+ in my book.

The last 2 are from other very notable drugstore brands: Wet n Wild(WNW) and Milani. 

If you haven't tried any of the WNW lip colors....pause from reading this blog and run to your nearest drugstore to purchase a few ASAP!!! When you return finish reading this blog.  You'll then be able to share in the love I have for these lip colors. Great color payoff and an unbeatable value...you won't be able to buy just one color..PROMISE.

Milani is another drugstore fav of mine. The 2 swatches above are WNW Mocha-licious (914C) and Milani's Dulce Caramelo.

The next set of swatches are a mix of high-end and drugstore lipsticks. 

The first 2 swatches are from the Urban Decay Revolution Lip Color Collection: Lovelight and Liar. Lovelight is more sheer lipstick with flecks of gold shimmer.  One that can be coupled with any look.  Liar is more of nude with pink undertone. Definitely a more pronounced color where a little goes a long way.

Next is a color that was my go-to nude of spring/summer 2013 - Rimmel's Moisture Renew in Nude Delight (642). I loved the fact that I could tone down this color by just applying a darker lip liner. I learned to chose more moisturizing lip colors that were blendable (in the event the color is took light for me). Another recent fav from my December Ipsy bag is from the NYX collection in Muse (LSS589A). Rounding out the list is an oldie but a goodie: MAC Creme Sheen lipstick in Japenese Maple. I so adore MAC creme sheen lip colors.  You get great color, moisture and lasting power all in one.  What more could you ask for??

I was never a real fan of nudes until the last few years.  Beauty brands are recognizing their target audience is changing and expanding.  Meaning, their are more gems in the world with a multitude of skin tones.  I'm so happy to see that progress (slowly but surely) is being made to cater to all gems.  There's still more to do but progress is being made.

That concludes this installment of AngBeauty411.  Until next time gems...Happy Shopping!!!

A Few of My Favorite Things.... Best of Beauty 2013 Drugstore PART II

Hey Beauty Gems-

As promised, here's part 2 of my favorite drugstore products in 2013. This blog will include lip, foundation, mascara and eye liner products. I didn't want to make this blog too long.  I narrowed it down to just a few in each category. Let's begin shall we.....first on to lips.....

Lipsticks

Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Colors -  Maybelline you really brought your 'A' game with these.  The color sensational lipsticks are wonderful. They are by far one of the best drugstore lipsticks I've used. These lipsticks apply smoothly to the lips, leaving them with a soft, non-drying feel and great color payoff. As well, Maybelline has a variety of colors (62 in all) to suit all beauty gems. Even better, you get a great lipstick at an affordable price. P.S. - Much love to the new "The Buffs" collection they just released..I'm head over heels for them. 

Milani Color Statement Lipstick - Another great and affordable drugstore brand. You can choose from 36 colors that include matte, pearl, shimmer and cream finishes.These lipsticks also have great color pay-off and long wearing. Milani offers other great products including their baked blush and lip glosses. Only downside - The matte colors can be a little drying.  However, just adding some extra balm to your lips before your lipstick will solve that issue.

Wet N Wild  MegaLast Lip Color - Rounding out my favs of 2013 is the wonderful Wet N Wild.  This is a great product for gems on a budget that want a good, inexpensive lipstick.  These lipsticks can be easily found in most drug stores, have a variety of colors for all taste (26 colors in all) and have a sister lipstick with SPF 15 MegaLast Lip Color SPF 15 . These lip colors contain Vitamin E, Amino Acids, Avocado Oil, and Rice Bran Oils that provide moisture to your lips.  With great pigmentation and long-lasting wear, a super value you just cannot pass up. Whichever option you choose, you won't be disappointed.  

Lip Glosses

Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Glosses -Similar to it's lip color counterpart, the Maybelline CS glosses are really nice.  They apply smoothly to the lips and have vibrant color.  These along with the CS lip colors are a great couple for achieving spectacular lip color. The formula is non-sticky so the colors can sometimes be easily transferable.  However, if you're looking for an inexpensive gloss that gives you true color....this is it. You have 24 colors to chose from (12 Vibrant High Shine colors; 12 Pink Perfection). 

Lip Liners

Jordana Lip Liner -  If you don't already know about these then let me give you the 411.  Another best kept drugstore beauty find.  These are one of the best drugstore lip liners I've every used.  The retractable lip liners give you great color and last a long time. Although they only come in 12 colors; they are so versatile that they compliment a variety of lip colors.  For an average cost of $1.99 each, these are a slam dunk deal!!!

Eyeliners

Jordana 12HR Eye Pencils - I feel in love with these the instant I used them.  The long-wearing eye pencils glide on with so much ease and DON'T SMUDGE.  The colors are vibrant and compliment most day/night looks.  The only downside is that currently they only offer 6 colors to choose from.  Fingers crossed that Jordana decides to expand this line because these are a winner in my book, anytime!

Jordana INCOLOR Fabuliner Liquid Eyeliner -  If you're looking for an inexpensive eyeliner to practice your cat eye skills with, this is it.  The slim tip applicator applies liner smoothly to your eyes making the art of liquid eye liner simple. I've found other favorites to use and haven't used this liner in a little while.  However, it's a must have in my makeup kit. The only downside is that it's not waterproof but I've never had issue with smearing/fading.  For $2.99 each, it's another great Jordana deal.

Mascara

L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara - All I can say is.....it's WONDERFUL.  You get volume, deep color without any flaking or clumping.  Another bonus...L'Oreal has expanded this line so if you want something more waterproof or longer lasting, they've got it.

Jordana Best Lash Extreme- This beauty delivers with giving your lashes all the volume you need.  While it claims that it doesn't clump, it actually does (at least for me).  As well, if you apply too much, it can make your lashes hard. With a few applications (and even combining with another lengthening mascara) you can achieve the look you want and more. For $2.99, it's a steal.

In 2013, I learned about alot of drugstore brands that produce great products.  It's comforting to know that I don't ALWAYS have to use the high end products to get the results I want. For 2014, I hope to expand my list of "best" to include more drugstore foundations and primers. 

Well gems that concludes my best of 2013 list.  I've already began ordering some other new releases for spring/summer (check out my Pinterest/Twitter/Instagram posts).  I can't wait to dish the 411 with you on those...STAY TUNED!!!

As always, be sure to follow me on all my social media sites.  Until next time....Happy Shopping!!!!