My Great Challenge: August 2015

Hi friends,

No worries, I am not going on a food rant or anything like that but I found this article and thought you would be interested.
Deep inside, it just bothers me that we continue to feed ourselves with all the wrong stuff, not to mention that it is approved in our food.
It's time to revisit the shopping list.
I just wish they would give actual examples of brands with these 12 ingredients.

Here is the article from Rodale Organic Life:

12-ingredients-you-should-never-eat

Sophia, NJ.

Thank you so much for reading my blog and watching my YouTube videos! Share the love! Sophia, NJ

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This blog contains affiliate advertising, this is how I support my blog and YouTube Channel. I was not solicited to advertise for the products mentioned above, all opinions are my own. I am affiliated with e.l.f. and all brands listed below.

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Hi friends,

I am back with another episode of Swatches & Stuff - August 2015 edition with a GIVEAWAY! (scroll down to enter the giveaway).

This time around it is all about e.l.f with a mini haul and some great products to review!

e.l.f. Haul || Swatches & Stuff || August 2015

If you do not want to read the review and would rather watch the companion video (and the actual swatches), here it is:

1. e.l.f. Studio Poreless Face Primer - $6

e.l.f. Studio Poreless Face Primer

Outstanding! Simply OUTSTANDING! Who would have thought that a simple $6 bottle would give you the same results, if not better, than my old $35 Benefits Porefessional!
This is a semi opaque fluid, which comes, in a pump and obviously contains some type of silicone to fill in pores. I apply it over my foundation for a perfect - flawless finish. I tell you what! Not only does it leave my skin as smooth as a baby's butt, it also mattiffies it. I was seriously surprised by the results and can only recommend it. Get it here!

2. e.l.f. Studio Gotta Glow Lip Tint Perfect Pink $6

e.l.f. Studio Gotta Glow Lip Tint Perfect Pink

This is basically a dupe for the Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Awakening. Only this one is $6 instead of $24!
What is it? An untainted lip balm that becomes pigmented as it comes into contact with your skin Ph and heat. The result is a baby lip pink that is the perfect "I just woke up but look at me fabulous nonetheless" look!
It takes about 10 minutes for the color to take on its full pigmentation. I am not sure whether each skin would produce the same tint, so if you have tried this little gem, comment down below and let me know your thoughts.
The only drawback is the formula, while not gooey, it is a bit too "oily" and shinny and sleek for my taste. Otherwise, a great conditioning lip balm with just the right amount of pink. I love it. Get it here!

3. e.l.f. Essential Lipstick Classy $1

e.l.f. Essential Lipstick Classy

True, this is a $1 lipstick! And so, the low expectation will ring true. While this is a pretty pink color (a bit pale for my skin tone) the packaging is super cheap and the tube feels like it will eventually break apart, leaving chunks of lip goo all over your makeup bag. It also has a very strong bubble gum scent, which to me is a real turn off.
The formula is okay, nothing to brag about.
Overall, I would say this is a good starter for a young gal who is trying on makeup for the first time, it won't break your bank and it will still give her results. It's just not for us ladies who like to feel a bit of pampering when we apply color. Out of all the e.l.f products I have tried over the years, this one is a dud but you can still get it here for your little one!

4. e.l.f. Essential Instant Lift Brow Pencil Taupe $2

e.l.f. Essential Instant Lift Brow Pencil Taupe

I needed a new brow brush and came across this duo pencil/brush for $2. While I would usually go for a darker color, I picked the lightest one (taupe) to fill my brows and was not disappointed as this one actually matches my brows almost perfectly. It is a pretty handy thing to have and one that saves time (not to mention money).
The formula is neither too waxy nor too dry and I found it was really easy to apply and fill in where I have been a bit too tweezer happy!
Why spend oodles of money on the brow expert products when you can get the same results for $2! Get it here!

5. e.l.f. Beautifully Bare Blush Rose Royalty $4

e.l.f. Beautifully Bare Blush Rose Royalty

This, is the cutest little thing! This is a cream blush that comes in a jar tiny enough for a lip balm, hence super handy when you are on the go.
e.l.f made this treasure in only two colors, the one I picked (Rose Royalty) and a more coral tone (Peach Perfection).
It is a good formula, not too creamy, but rather velvety and it actually feels dry on your cheeks. The color itself is subtle enough for a "no makeup-makeup" look.
So far, it does not feel like it will clog my pores as many cream blushes do. I am falling in love with this one! Get it here!

6. e.l.f. Studio Intense Ink Eyeliner Blackest Black $3

e.l.f. Studio Intense Ink Eyeliner Blackest Black

Real talk! Felt tip eyeliners are not for everyone! I personally prefer pencils or gel eyeliners you can apply with a brush as they seem to afford a bit more control over the application.
Finding myself a bit rusty when I first tried this one, I sort of made a mess. But, and with practice, this is actually not bad at all.
First, the pigmentation is seriously "intense" as its name suggests. This is jet black and unfortunately comes only in this color (too bad, I could use a purple one). If you are on the market for a serious cat's eye eyeliner in the like of the late Amy Whinehouse, this one is for you!
Overall I found the formula to be okay, it might be a bit dry which leads me to believe that it will get drier over time. The application, as mentioned above, is not always that precise as it leaves jagged edges along creepy lids. And one little "oops" will cost you: I learned that the hard way as the stuff will not come off that easily.
If you are the Eyeliner Queen, or want to become the Eyeliner Queen, try your steady hands on this one, for the price of $3 you won't feel so bad if it did not work out for you. Get it here!

7. e.l.f. Studio Mad for Matte Eyeshadow Palette $10

e.l.f. Studio Mad for Matte Eyeshadow Palette Mad for Matte

Let's not get all excited here, this is not the Holy Grail of matte palettes! But it is pretty darn close!
As a matter of fact, I am rating it higher than the L'Oreal Nude Palette which I thought was pretty good.
This one contains nothing but mattes (JOY) in very wearable and versatile colors (10 in total). The left side can be used as a nude, everyday and subtle look, while the right side can be used for a more smokey look. Or mix and match for more contrasts.
Very little fall out, great stay on, overall great quality when considering the price. The only con: the shadows are rather small so one needs to use smaller brushes. The palette itself comes in a pretty sleek, portable design with a mirror. Another great on the go tool. I like it a lot. Get it here!

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And now for the giveaway!

This could be yours:

The August 2015 Giveaway includes three of the products reviewed this month:

1. e.l.f Rose Royalty Blush
2. e.l.f Gotta Glow Lip Tint
3. e.l.f Mad for Matte Palette
and a carry all pouch (upcycled from one of my Ipsy bags)

Here are the rules:

Open to everyone 18 years or older (parental approval required) and internationally as well.

You must be a subscriber to my YouTube Channel
You must "Like" my Facebook Page
You must leave a comment on my blog

Just follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter entry form below.
The giveaway is opened until August 30, 2015 when one winner will be picked at random.
The winner will have one week to respond with a mailing address.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you so much for reading my blog and watching my YouTube videos! Share the love!

Sophia, NJ

Connect with me:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

YOUTUBE

Want to send me a product for review? Have a product review request?