What's In My Travel Makeup Bag?

So I'm going traveling for Christmas break and I thought I would share what is in my travel makeup bag. I'm terrible at packing lightly but I limited myself by only allowing what fit in my bag(except the palette). My makeup bag is from Sephora and its probable a bit bigger than one's hand, but it does hold quite a bit, I got it with a purchase for free(it was one of the itkits 2012).

Below are the face products I'm bringing. In the small black container(top left) is a facial scrub, sorry I'm not sure which brand, next is my BareMinerals Matte powder foundation in Fairly Light N10.  Then the Garnier  Anti-Dark Circle Roller in Light-Medium. My Sonia Kashuk concealer quad in Hidden Agenda. Then is Benefit Erase Paste in Medium. Next is my Mac Mineralized Skin Finish Natural in Medium. In the shiny circular black container is my Benefit Boi-ing #2 and Lemon Aide Duo. Then are my two Tarte primers the purple is Pore Perfecting and the brown is Brightening.

Then onto eyes. From the top left is the Covergirl single eyeshadow in Mink, NARS Alhambra eyeshadow duo(Paige gave me this for Christmas :), Mac Mineralized eyeshadow duo in This & That(this was Limited Edition). Starting on the right is the Urban Decay Vintage Big Fatty Mascara, depotted Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Pencil in Zero, Urban Decay 24/7 Liquid Liner in Perversion, Too Faced Starry Eyed Glitter Liner in Stalkerazzi, Urban Decay Primer Potion, Nyx Jumbo Eye Pencil in Cottage Cheese, TheBalm Nude 'Tude Palette, and the Lancôme Hypnose Star mascara.

And finally the lip products. From the left, Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in the clear and rose versions, Maybelline Baby Lips in Coral Crush, NARS Gloss Lip Pencil in New Lover, and the EOS Lip Balm in Summer Fruit.

Naked 2 Fake Flops

So a couple of months ago I purchased a Naked 2 palette for a ridiculously low price from ebay. It was too good to be true. As seem below compared to a Naked 2 palette purchased at Sephora. Some of the colors are pretty close, I would go as far as calling them dupes for each other, but some are extremely different. However, the palette itself isn't actually that bad on pigmentation and I think it's pretty good, but it definitely is not the Naked 2 palette which is very disappointing.

The photo above is all of the "same" shades swatched next to each other. On the left from the top is Blackout, "Blackout"(the pigmentless black...), Busted, "Busted"(which is way more purple toned), YDK, "YDK"(pretty similar but the real one has more bronze), Verve, "Verve"(I'd say these two are dupes, if not the real one has more yellow undertones), Pistol, "Pistol"(Less pigmented), Suspect, "Suspect"(these two look exactly the same).

The right arm from the top: Snakebite, "Snakebite"(Fake one has more bronze undertone and it's lighter), Tease, "Tease"(The fake one is SO purple.), Chopper, "Chopper"(The real one has more orange undertones whereas the fake has more pinky undertones and it's cooler), Bootycall, "Bootycall"(The real one has more yellow undertones and the fake looks a bit white), Half Baked, "Half Baked"(I can't even, not in the same ballpark at all, the fake has such more rosegold undertoned color and half backed is usually a true gold), Foxy, "Foxy"(Pretty hard to see either way but the real one is a bit more pigmented but they'll give the same effect).

Here are the two palettes next to each other. Fake on the left, real on the right. I have to say when photographed they look exactly the same in the pans except Half Baked(second from top) and Busted(second from bottom) and that is probably what make me fall for it. Additionally when the palettes are closed they say Urban Decay on the spine and the fake one is the opposite direction as the real one. Also the real palette is significantly heavier than the fake one. 

Lesson learned: don't ever buy makeup off ebay. Hash out all the money or nothing, it's worth it. And yeah it's disappointing but it's not like this palette is terrible I still like it I'm just upset that is obviously isn't real. However I would definitely go out and buy the original Naked in a bit, I've had my eye on that for a while :)

40 Question Makeup Tag Thing

1. Do you remember your first makeup item?

I can't say that I do, but I think it was was probably an Estee Lauder powder that my mom would get as a gift with purchase.

2. Describe your perfect mascara. Have you found one that fits your specifications?

I need a good volumizing mascara that doesn't give much length, my eyelashes are already very long. As far as waterproof goes I usually use my Covergirl Last Blast Volume on a very regular basis. As for non-waterproof I have a lot of them such as Urban Decay's Big Fatty and Super Curl, Estee Lauder Projectionist, and Benefit Bad Gal.

3. What kind of coverage do you prefer from foundation? Sheer, Light, Medium, or Full

I don't need very much coverage, but I like to have to option of full, and for that I use the Revlon Colorstay Whipped Foundation. And if I don't feel like using that, I'll go for a lighter coverage tinted moisturizer and I use the Laura Mercier one.

4. What foreign cosmetic brand have you always wanted to try?

MUA and Sleek!

5. Favorite high end brand?

Urban Decay without a doubt.

6. Favorite Drugstore brand?

I'm not really sure, I like a couple different things from each brand but I really enjoy WetnWild.

7. Favorite indie brand?

I am not really familiar with any indie products.

8. Is there any kind of makeup you can’t leave the house without?

No, I can go out with no makeup and be fine, but the two basics I would like are mascara and concealer.

9. What is your most cherished beauty product?

Probably my palettes.

10. Do you have separate day and night skincare routines?

I don't really do anything to my face at night besides moisturizing

11. How often do you shop for makeup? Do you like to pick up an item here or there or get lots of goodies at once?

I don't usually go out of my way to get a certain makeup item, but I'll order stuff online or when I need something from the grocery store I'll swing by the makeup. I love getting lots of things but I'll appreciate just one at a time more.

12. Do you have a “beauty budget” or do you spend freely?

I was spending freely but now I'm doing a 10+ week thing where I'm not buying any for myself.

13. Do you utilize coupons, rewards cards and sales when you shop for cosmetics?

I definitely utilize sales and rewards when I'm shopping, I rarely spend full price on anything.

14. What type of product do you buy the most of?

Eyeshadow for sure. I love making different looks, it's just my favorite all around product.

15. Is there a brand that you absolutely can’t stand?

I can't say that there is one in particular, but I think some brands are falsely hyped up.

16. Do you avoid certain ingredients in cosmetics like parabens or sulfates?

Most things I buy, I believe they don't have any harmful ingredients, but I don't go out of my way to avoid them.

17. Do you have a favorite place to shop for makeup? Why is it your favorite?

I would probably say Nordstrom Rack or Sephora. Nordstrom Rack seriously has the best sales on high end brands that the companies don't even have! And Sephora has a great variety in their products and I love all the rewards and free samples that you get.

18. Do you like trying new skincare products or do you keep a certain routine?

I try not to mess with my skin too much, but if i find something is definitely not working it will be changed out of my routine.

19. Favorite bath and body brand?

I really like Bath and Body Works, except their shower gels, which I believe are breaking me out.

20. If you could only buy from one brand, which brand would you choose?

Probably Urban Decay, I love their eyeshadow, eye primer, face primer, foundation, setting sprays, etc.

21. What brand do you think has the best packaging?

I think Nars has really nice packaging and it isn't too bulky like most brands.

22. What brand do you think has the worst packaging?

I can say that I'm not that fond of Hard Candy's packaging, it seems large, it isn't my style, and it feels like it will break quickly.

23. Do you belong to any online makeup communities?

Nope!

24. 5 Favorite Bloggers and Beauty Gurus

Miss Glamorazzi, she's so funny and relatable. Fluer De Force, she gives really honest reviews and seems genuine. Icallitambrosa, funniest person on YouTube. Amarixe, I love her tutorials. Temptalia, great reviews and swatches.

25. Do you like multifunctional products like lip and cheek stains?

I find that I cannot usually get them to work for both purposes.

26. Most innovative beauty product you’ve ever used?

I can't say I have one.

27.  What kind of scents do you like? Fruity, Floral, Spicy, Gourmand?

I like fruity and floral scents.

28. Acetone or non-acetone nail polish remover?

Whatever gets the nail polish off.

29. Favorite nail polish finish?

Foil Nail polish!!

30. Most repurchased product?

Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub for skin care. And probably concealer for makeup.

31. Any products you’ve been meaning to toss out?

No, not really.

32. How many eye primers do you use/have owned. Rank them by effectiveness.

Urban Decay Primer Potion Original, probably my favorite, it works so well and keeps colors vibrant and lasting. Sin works great for champagne colors, Greed works well for gold colors. Benefit Stay Don't Stray, works amazing with sheerer colors because it has a brightening flesh toned color that is very apparent. Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless Eye Primer, does it's job, no creasing, colors stay vibrant. Too Faced Shadow Insurance, I feel like this one fades and does not work as well as the rest. 

33. How many hair products do you use in a typical day?

Usually just shampoo, conditioner, and oil.

34. What do you apply first, concealer or foundation?

Foundation, the concealer just moves all around if put on first.

35. Most expensive product you’ve ever purchased? Was it worth it?

Urban Decay Book od Shadows IV, yes I absolutely love it.

36. Do you prefer highlighting or contouring?

Highlighting

37. Do you keep a beauty wishlist or buy what catches your eye?

I keep a long term wishlist, but sometimes I'll just get things that catch my eye.

38. How many brushes do you own?

Probably about 20 ish.

39. How often do you wash your brushes?

About every 3 uses.

40. Favorite type of brush?

Real Techniques expert face brush or my Japanesque huge powder brush

Courtney's Makeup Haul & Review

Sephora & Ulta 

Benefit:

• Erase Paste $10 #2 Medium - This conceals under eye circles like no other while it brightens, very thick, but it doesn't look cakey. I recommend buying the small size it's a $19 value.
• The POREfessional - Great for priming under eyes and it makes pores disappear, has a potent smell, but I like it.
• BadGal Mascara - It has an extremely thick brush, but it basically just coats your natural lashes with a black coat, I'm not a huge fan.

Urban Decay

• Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Sin, Greed, and Original(not pictured) $22 - These really make the biggest difference! They make eyeshadows pop and stay on for a very very long time, love them!
• 24/7 Glide on eyeshadow in Sin, Juju, Clash, Rehab, and Delinquent $12 - These are great if you want a quick look. They are extremely pigmented and stay on probably 24 hours, if you didn't wash it off.

Dr. Brandt 

• Flexitone BB Cream (Deluxe Sample) - This is my first BB cream and I think it works very well. It moisturizes and gives a very dewy look white covering up quite well. It smells of sunscreen.

Rosebud Perfume Co. 

• Strawberry Lip Balm $7 - Very moisturizing and thick. It doesn't give off any color although it is pink in the pan. The smell is very strong of strawberries, kind of a candy scent. I like it.

Mac

• Mineralized Skinfinish Natural in Medium $29  - Everyone knows this product is great, I like to sweep it on my face lightly.
• Eyeshadow in Jest $12 - Described as a soft peach with icy shimmer, a frost finish. for a frost it gives pretty good payoff.
• Eyeshadow in Expensive Pink $12 - Described as a pink with copper duochrome this color is so gorgeous, it doesn't make your eyes look red, but brings out the blue color in them(for me) also a good crease color for Jest.
• Quad Palette Container $7 - Holds four Mac eyeshadow pans, I view it as a better deal than buying the eyeshadows in the pot form.

Estée Lauder

• Double Wear Stay In Place Cream Eyeshadow in Cafe Au Lait $13 - I got this at a CCO in California and it's very pretty! It works very well as a base or on its own and it's super creamy.

Maybelline

• Mega Plush Mascara Waterproof $6 - A very nice mascara! It may replace my Covergirl LashBlast Waterproof, I really like the brush, it's easy to work with and it's so buildable without bing clumpy.
• 24 Hr Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze $6 - A dark bronze color, a good base for other eyeshadows, it's very creamy and it's comparable to higher end cream eyeshadows. 

Nyx

• Jumbo Eye Pencil in Sparkle Nude $4 - I haven't had a chance to put this on yet, but I think it will be a nice base for other colors. 
• Powder eyeshadow in Sahara $4 - This is a great highlight color! It's not matte, but not too shimmery and it looks very natural.

Covergirl

• Eyeshadow Quad in Sheerly Nudes $5 - I haven't had a chance to use this yet.

Jordana

• Fabu Liquid Liner in 01 Black $2.50 - I don't have much experience with liquid liner, but this seems alright, I've used it twice and it kind of goes further than I think it is, but it's very black and I just need to get used to it. 

Haul: Sephora and Drugstore

I recently ordered a few things from Sephora online and thought I would do a haul. Then I went to the drugstore and picked up a couple items, so I decided I would put them in here.

The first thing I bought from Sephora is a benefit kit called Legally Bronze. The kit price is 38$ but the worth is $105. It came in a reusable makeup bag and four full size products. One of the products called gilded is an exclusive to this set. When I swatched it, it glided on a smooth shimmery gold color. The consistency and staying power reminds me of a NYX jumbo eye shadow pencil. I figure if you want to wear it on your lid you should use a primer and set it with a powder. The next product it came with was Hoola, a matte medium bronzer. High beam, a shimmery cool toned liquid highlighter was also included in this set. The last thing in the makeup bag was a badgal brown mascara, which I have yet to try.

Also from Sephora I ordered a mini set that is called coral my world. The cost was $12. It comes with a mini Coralista, a coral blush and a mini sun beam which is a multi-use bronze liquid.

Then lastly from Sephora I got the benefit They're Real! Mascara. The mascara has a rubber wand and a more dry formula, in my opinion. It is an alright mascara nothing I am to excited about.

Then at the drugstore I picked up a few more things: Maybelline BB cream, Rimmel Stay Matte powder, and Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch concealer.

Products that look like a Steal!

These are the Urban Decay eyeshadow Primer Potion. The company has recently changed the packaging on this product and I assume they are trying to sell all of the old packaging, but this set from Sephora is a limited edition set of three including a full size(.34 oz) of Sin, a champagne, Greed, a shimmering gold, and the original, which dries invisibly. Now normally each one of these would retail for twenty dollars, but this is a steal because you get all three for just twenty-two dollars! And these Primer Potions are amazing and you get three of the four that are made in one set.

Intro!

Hey, our names are Paige(left) and Courtney(right) and we wanted to start a makeup blog due to our growing obsession with different products that we really have liked. On this blog you can expect to see makeup reviews of products we have purchased and really liked, disliked, or products that we think would be great. Also we will do haul posts of when we have gone shopping, for clothes, makeup and accessories! We don't know where this is going to go but we are very excited to startup our own makeup inspired blog. That's about it, we will do posts about each of us in the future, bye! :)