Stila Convertible Color in Gladiola: Review, Photos, & Swatches

 Stila's ingenious lipstick and blush-in-one proves to be irresistible.

This versatile favorite brightens cheeks and lips with creamy, translucent color. Tap onto cheeks and press onto lips. The sheer tint adds an inherent glow to the cheeks while lips bloom with fresh, radiant color. Our two-in-one compact holds the key to easy, monochromatic makeup. A must-have in every stila girl's kit.

Winner of Best Cream Blush by In Style Best Beauty Buys 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011

Size: 0.15 oz. / 4.25 g.

 Ingredients:

ingredients: ricinus communis (castor) seed oil, lanolin oil, beeswax\cera alba\cire d’abeille, microcrystalline wax\cera microcristallina\cire microcristalline, octyldodecanol, phenyl trimethicone, ozokerite, caprylic/capric triglyceride, hydrogenated palm kernel glycerides, ethylhexyl palmitate, isononyl isononanoate, c12-15 alkyl benzoate, tocopheryl acetate, hydrogenated palm glycerides, bht, [+/- mica, titanium dioxide (ci 77891), iron oxides (ci 77491, ci 77492, ci 77499), bismuth oxychloride (ci 77163), blue 1 lake (ci 42090), carmine (ci 75470), manganese violet (ci 77742), red 7 lake (ci 15850), red 22 lake (ci 45380), red 28 lake (ci 45410), red 30 lake (ci 73360), red 33 lake (ci 17200), red 34 lake (ci 15880), ultramarines (ci 77007), yellow 5 lake (ci 19140), yellow 6 lake (ci 15985)] 

 Where to Buy: Stilacosmetics.com, $25.00

The Stila Convertible Color in Gladiola ($25.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a cream product that is supposed to deliver sheer color to either the lips or cheeks. This was sent to me from Apothica to review, where they also carry all 9 shades of the Convertible Colors: Camellia, Peony, Poppy, Rose, Petunia, Gladiola, Lilium, Gerbera, and Fuchsia .

R.I.P. Beloved MAC Blot Powder

The saddest of all events has occurred in my makeup bag, the smashing of a powder, and not just any powder mind you, my beloved MAC Blot Powder in Medium :(!

Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream: Review & Photos

Advanced Skincare + Perfecting Coverage.

 Is it right for me?
Skin concerns, such as discoloration, dullness, blotchiness and dryness can come from a number of different sources. It's hard to find just one product that addresses them all. Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream immediately and effectively fullfills your skincare expectations with just one multi-benefit product that combines intense moisturizing skincare + immediate skin perfecting coverage for skin that looks naturally more even, radiant and smooth.

How is it different?
It’s a new idea in skincare. B.B. Cream is a hybrid formula that offers advanced skincare + immediate skin perfecting coverage in one single beauty product.

 Instantly: Skin looks naturally more even, radiant and smooth.

After just one use:
90% had a more even complexion,
93% saw a more healthy glow,
96% saw smoother skin.

Based on consumer evaluation study

Where to Buy: Drugstore.com, $12.99

The Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream is one of the new U.S. versions of the ever so popular Eastern B.B. Creams. Its supposed to provide an even looking complexion and help care for your skin while being worn so when you do take it off, you're left with a moisturized face.

Looking For Guest Posters!

A little Ollie cuteness!

Hi guys, I really want to start a weekly thing of having a guest poster every Friday! There are no guidelines for posts, you can do whatever you want. The only thing I ask is that you use your own original photos, use proper grammar/spelling, and let me approve before anything gets published (only so your post can be the best)! If anyone's interested in posting here on Massachusetts Mask shoot me an email at MassachusettsMask@hotmail.com with your idea for a post!

ps. I really need a poster for this Friday, extra brownie points if anyone can do something on such short notice :)

End of Summer Giveaway! *CLOSED*

I know its been forever since I've done a giveaway, so I thought you guys might like one for the end of summer! I picked stuff that I thought would transition nicely into fall but is still wearable now in the summer. Enjoy!

Bath & Body Works Haul!

Somebody please direct me to the Bath & Body Works addicts group, I need some serious help! I was at the mall this weekend and promised myself that I was just going to go into B&BW to smell their new scents (which by the way, Love Love Love is so sweet and amazing, I regret not picking it up) and ended up with a bag of stuff. My local store still had a wall of 75% off stuff from their Semi Annual Sale leftover, so I'm not sure if you can still get this stuff since its either seasonal or discontinued. But hey, it couldn't hurt to cruise by your Bath & Body Works to see if anything is still available from the Semi Annual Sale!

e.l.f. Mascara & Shadow Shield: Review & Photos

Apply eye makeup flawlessly with this innovative and mistake-proof Mascara & Shadow Shield. The silicon flexible and convenient design works to shield your skin against mascara smears and eyeshadow fallout. The reusable and reversible design works on both eyes, under eye or over eye, for easy makeup application. The ideal tool for achieving gorgeous eye looks without smudges and fallout! Great for makeup artists or aspiring makeup artists.

DIRECTIONS:

Prior to eyeshadow and bottom lash mascara application, place the shield comfortably and snugly below the bottom lash line and apply makeup, using the shield to guard you against any makeup smears or mistakes. Place above the eye when applying mascara to shield against smudges on the top lashes. Clean and flip the shield to repeat on the other eye.

Care Instructions: Cleanse regularly with the Studio Brush Shampoo and lay flat to dry.

Where to Buy: eyeslipsface.com, $3.00

One of e.l.f.'s newest brushes is something relatively new in the cosmetic world! Its actually a flexible rubber-y material shaped like a crescent designed to fit both under the eye and on the upper lash line to help prevent the ever so dreaded mascara smudged and eyeshadow fallout.

What I Use To Clean My Makeup Brushes!

I swear washing my brushes is the most relaxing task, I love it! I did a massive cleaning last night which included all of my brushes and my mom's brushes, so I thought I'd share with you guys what I use to get them squeaky clean.

Johnson's Baby Shampoo Calming Lavender
$5.49

Baby Shampoo (any brand) is a really great option for washing your brushes for a variety of reasons! For starters, its pretty much dirt cheap, I grab huge bottles like this for around $3.00 and it lasts ages which is amazing to me since I clean an absurd amount of brushes with it on a regular basis! Obviously as its meant for use on babies, Baby Shampoo is incredibly gentle and you can be sure it won't harm your brushes and make them brittle. I've used the Johnson's since I bought my brushes back in February of last year and they still feel as soft as the day I bought them! Baby Shampoo lathers really well and I haven't had any issues with it getting my natural/synthetic brushes completely clean even when they have gel eyeliner, foundation, etc. on them. One little thing I'm not really a fan of is the strong scent Baby Shampoo leaves behind. I prefer the lavender version over the regular yellow Johnson's just because its a little less overwhelming/doesn't linger as long in the actual brush.

MAC Brush Cleanser
$13.00

I purchased the MAC Brush Cleanser the same time I got the Johnson's Baby Shampoo as I had heard everyone talk about this being the best for spot cleaning. Despite what it looks like in the picture, I do actually have quite a bit left that you can't see because the bottle is on its side! I do use this cleanser sparingly as its outrageously expensive for what it is and how often you need to use it. If you try and use the MAC Brush Cleanser by just pouring it on a paper towel and then swirling your brush clean, you'll blow through this so fast! I purchased a separate spray bottle that I pour the Brush Cleanser into and spray onto my brushes, then wipe. It works like a charm and has really helped this cleanser last. I only use the MAC Brush Cleanser when I need to quickly clean a brush and for my foundation brushes. This doesn't dry as quickly as people claim, you definitely need to wait a good 5 minutes until your brushes are useable again but its totally worth it since this cleanser gets the brushes amazingly clean. That's why I use it on my foundation brushes as dried foundation is such a pain to get out of really dense synthetic brushes, but this works like a charm! You can only get the MAC Brush Cleanser at freestanding MAC stores or online, which is a bit of a pain since its not easily accessible and I know I'm going to need another one soon!

So that's it guys, the only two products I use to keep my brushes clean. Tell me what you guys use to clean your brushes, and if you have any suggestions for things I should try let me know!

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains: Review, Photos, & Swatches

It’s a pampering balm fused with a lightweight lipstain in an adorable chubby crayon. Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain gives softer, smoother lips with a perfect flush of color that lasts hour after hour. The gel formula comes in 12 vibrant shades that match any look or mood.

-Lightweight Lipstain + Moisturizing Balm
-100% of women who tried it felt their lips were instantly moisturized with a soft stain of color
-Retractable chubby crayon, no sharpener required

EXPERT TIPS:

Step 1: Apply Just Bitten Kissable™ Balm Stain evenly to clean, bare lips. Build color and coverage as desired.

Step 2: Reapply as desired for moisturizing shine throughout the day.

Where to Buy: Drugstore.com, $8.99

Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stains ($8.99 for 0.095 oz) are supposed to be a combination of a moisturizing balm and a stain. They come in 12 shades: Honey, Crush, Darling, Cherish, Lovesick, Sweetheart, Smitten, Charm, Rendezvous, Romantic, Precious, Adore.

Christopher & Banks Jewelry

Hey guys, I recently went to my local Christopher & Banks with my mom for the first time. I have no idea why we've overlooked that store SO many times when we're at the mall, they have some pretty fantastic stuff and its always on sale!

Here's the link to their online site, go check it out, you might find a good deal!

Wet n Wild Think Pink Mega Last Lip Color: Review, Photos, & Swatches

Lips take center stage! This 4-hour, longwearing lip color leaves a semi-matte, crème finish in one stroke. Glides on easily with rich, velvety color that doesn't cake, feather, or bleed. Made with hydrating skin-care ingredients: Hyaluronic Microspheres provide extraordinary adhesion to lips, an exclusive polymer complex offers cushion-like feel and texture, and natural marine plant extracts Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamins A & E help smooth lips.

Where to Buy: Drugstore.com, $1.99

Wet n Wild Think Pink Mega Last Lip Color (0.11oz for $1.99) is a bright whitened pink lipstick that is designed to be longwearing and help moisturize the lips.

Guest Post: Seonaid's 5 Lip Product Picks for Summer!

Today's Lovely Guest:

Hey everyone!

It’s Seonaid here, from *Beauty and Baggage* . I’m so happy to be guest posting on Emily’s lovely blog. If you’re not subscribed already, get on it!

Today I’ll be showing you my top lip products for summer. I’m a firm believer that you should wear whatever you want, whatever the season, but in hotter or more humid weather, these are the textures and shades I reach for most often. Although, to be honest, if given the choice I’ll wear a matte red.

It’s been rainy and miserable here in Scotland, but I hear the States is suffering some extreme weather at the moment, so hopefully these hold up in the heat too!

1.     Sleek Pout Polish in Bare Minimum ($6.50): This is lovely neutral, sheer tub of gloss, that softens and adds shine. It can be a little sticky, but I tend to use a little amount and buff it in to my lips to smooth and even out my lips.

2.     Revlon Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti ($7.49): An easy to apply, glossy balm in a bright, summery orange. This is fun and warms the complexion without being too heavy.

3.     NARS Lipgloss in Wonder ($24.00): I steered clear of lipgloss for ages because I hate a sticky gloss. But this gloss is not tacky or gloopy in the slightest. It’s surprisingly pigmented, a warm, fruity orange that makes me think of summer immediately.

4.     Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Crush ($8.99): I spoke about these new balm stains on my blog recently, and this is my favourite colour of the three I bought. This is a satin-finish, crushed berry stain that makes me look like I’ve been eating blackberries all day. It’s long lasting even in hot weather and has a lovely minty scent.

5.     17 Lipstick in Day Glo: I felt bad about including this one, because 17 is a brand exclusive to UK drugstore Boots, and I’m pretty sure you can’t get it stateside. However, this is a lovely smooth watermelon pink. It’s gorgeous and totally summery! Hopefully you can find a dupe in the US drugstore.

You’ll see that I mostly went for colours that were reminiscent of fruits and berries – which I think are the hues we all go for in summertime. Hopefully this helped you with some ideas for your own lip stash!

S xx

MAC Matte Cream: Review & Photos

A matte-ifying cream that acts like a powder, M·A·C Matte adds a sheer, no-shine matte texture in one smooth layer. May be used on bare or made-up skin. Use a latex sponge or a 252 Large Shader Brush to apply over the entire face or in the T-zone to reduce the appearance of shine. Apply M·A·C Matte after moisturizer, but before foundation to prime the skin for makeup. Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation applies smoothly and effortlessly over top of M·A·C Matte.

Where to Buy: Maccosmetics.com, $19.00

MAC Matte Cream ($19.00 for 0.75 0z)  is actually a gel formula primer that is supposed to act as a barrier between your face and make that will help minimize the breakthrough of oil throughout the day.

NOTD: Party of Five Glitters

Wet n Wild Fastdry Nail Color- Party of Five Glitters

Seche Vite- Dry Fast Top Coat

My birthday is next Tuesday (the big one eight!) so I thought I'd do a little festive manicure to celebrate!

This is actually one of my favorite polishes of all time, I keep holding my nails up in the light to watch them sparkle! I ended up using 3 coats, which was more of a dabbing application so I could get a nice coat of glitter. Its not chunky at all, my nails don't feel gritty (but they are a bit wavy around the big silver glitter pieces) with the help of the thick Seche Vite top coat.

Bath & Body Works Semi Annual Haul 2012 (In Black & White)!

COVERGIRL Cafe au Lait Eye Enhancer Trio: Review, Photos, & Swatches

These collections of great shades are handpicked by our makeup pros. Designed for a classic look, these shadows blend effortlessly to bring your eyes out beautifully, without overshadowing.

• Matte, pearl, and sparkle shades
• Handpicked by our makeup pros for a classic look
• Blends easily without overshadowing

1. Dust the most neutral shadow in your 3-Kit palette from your lash line to brow line.
2. Blend the second-darkest shade along the crease of your eyes.
3. Run the darkest shade along your upper and lower lash lines.
4. Finish the look with two coats of mascara.

Where to Buy: Drugstore.com, $4.69

COVERGIRL Cafe au Lait Eye Enhancer Trio ($4-6 depending on the drugstore for .17oz) is your average set of neutral shadows for an everyday look. You get a taupe shade that has silver shimmer, a flesh toned shade with the same silver shimmer running through it, and a frosty white.

Nail Polish Haul

Sinful Colors
"What's Your Name"
This is such a dark color that you honestly can't really tell if its blue or green in the bottle. On your nails its a black jelly polish with a teal colored shimmer. I'm honestly not too sure why I even gave this color a second look, its not that flattering and certainly not a summer color!


Sinful Colors
"Ciao Bella"
Again, I don't know what is with me buying nail polish that is completely out of season! And not to mention this is a color I don't usually go for, navy blues are not my thing.

Sinful Colors
"Verbena"
Now this is more appropriate for July! A beautiful pastel yellow that's very sheer (would be better to put this over a coat of white polish).


Sinful Colors
"Unicorn"
This color is one that I would wear all year round! Its a flat cream purple that isn't very opaque which is surprising since its not such a light color like Verbena. I keep buying Sinful Colors because, well for one they're cheap, but I guess I'm just trying to find one I actually like! I hear a lot of hype about them and I'm just waiting for a color to perform well.


Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color
"Coral Reef"
I've actually already reviewed this polish here!


Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color
"Golden-I"

Drop what you're doing right this second, get in your car, and run down the polish isle of your drugstores. This color by Sally Hansen is too stunning for words! One of the reasons I buy so many of the Xtreme Wear Nail Colors is because the shimmers are exceptionally great in terms of opacity and wear time. This color isn't quite rose gold, but isn't quite plain gold. It looks phenomenal with a tan and can transition you nicely between the seasons. Not sorry at all I bought this!

A Much Due Apology and Ollie!

It has been a LOOONG time since I've been behind the wheel of my blog!

I took a little impromptu break from blogging in April because it was the final push in school until graduation and a lot of changes were going to be happening. I'm happy to say I did walk across the stage and got my diploma (without tripping, my biggest fear)! A lot of other stuff happened as well like my senior prom and all the other senior activities.

Me, my Mom, and my Brother!