Mini Makeup Clearout

Anyone that has a tendency to collect makeup knows the struggle--too much makeup and not enough face to put it all on! When you've accumulated a lot of makeup over the years, a good old fashioned declutter becomes necessary every now and then. Some are big, but most are just quick little clean-outs that consist of you staring at a product for several moments before finally setting it aside with a sigh because you just know you don't use it and you probably never will, so just get rid of it!

My mini declutter today consisted of three things. All three have been used several times and are also quite old, so sadly no passing on to a friend or donating. I do pass on to friends any makeup I've used a couple times and just didn't like, and I suggest everyone do this to keep from wasting product! What you may not enjoy, someone else would love.

First is the NYX HD Finishing Powder in mint green. Now there's nothing particularly wrong with this product. In fact I've used it quite a lot, and there's a sweet little dent in the middle that makes my heart sing a bit. But the reality is my skin is just too dry for most powders, this one included. I also don't even need powders, to be fair to myself. On any given day my makeup is very light, and powder just adds on an extra cakey layer that makes my skin look dense and flat. This powder is probably great for anyone that needs powders in their routine. The green is supposed to color correct any redness, which is why I bought it, but I haven't noticed any color correcting power from it, so I wouldn't say it works great for that purpose. Their regular translucent powder will probably work just fine.

Next is the 3CE Face Glow in Bondi Beach. It's their golden color, and is supposed to add a beautiful healthy glow to your face. I used to mix in a bit with my foundations, and also just apply it straight to the skin. It's honestly just a bit too dark for my skin, and doesn't quite look right on me, in my opinion, but the glow is gorgeous and if you love these kinds of products, I'd definitely recommend!

Last is the Xtreme eyeliner by Jo Mousselli, which I got in an ipsy back YEARS ago. It's honestly past time to be thrown out. And, I don't even use pencil liners. They tug on my eyes far too much, and I just don't like them. I much prefer gel or liquid. Even though it's pigmented and smooth and very dark, it's nearly $30, and honestly you could find a liner just as good for half the price. 

I tend to have mini declutters quite often as I often buy new makeup to try and end up disliking it or holding onto it for so long that I end up just hating myself for having to throw it away. I'm definitely trying to cut back on my makeup clutter, but it's a struggle for someone who's a collector at heart! What have you decluttered lately?

NYX Cream Blush | Review

I had only ever owned powder blushes, which of course are great. I then recieved a Nyx cream blush in an Ipsy bag when I was still subscribed to it, and having tried it out several times since then I can safely say I very much love cream blushes. This one is in the shade Boho Chic, and is a lovely peachy-pink color that suits my skin tone perfectly.

What I like best about a good cream blush is that when you're going for a dewy or glowy look, like I often do, a cream blush will suit that look best. Powder blushes tend to mattify the cheeks, which isn't what you always want when going for that dewy look. A cream blush will keep the glow in place, along with adding its subtle pop of color. 

I tend to apply with my fingers, though you can dot it on your cheeks and blend out with a beauty blender or other preferred tool of choice. And, just like with all blushes, a little can go a long way. 

I really love cream blushes, especially Nyx ones, as they're affordable yet amazing. I recommend trying one of theirs if you've never tried a cream blush before. 

(as you can see, the logo has worn off on the cover quite a bit - it's been thrown around a lot!)

Disappointing Product: Nyx Matte Nude Lipstick

I absolutely love Nyx, it's one of my favorite (if not favorite) drugstore brands. I especially love their lip products. However, every brand has to have it's failed items, for some if not others. I imagine this lipstick may work on some people - especially those with medium to dark skin tones. This may look beautiful on you, but it sure doesn't on me!

This is from their Matte line, in the shade simply titled 'Nude.' It's kind of a peachy nude, but on me it looks chalky and dry. It makes my lips dry out like crazy, and shows every crack in them. It washes my skin out as well (I'm very pale) and just generally doesn't flatter me at all. I've worn it once, and regretted that decision immediately. I have to be careful with mattes because my lips can get dry pretty quickly, but some work pretty well for me, especially with a little extra help from a balm. This one is beyond helping, unfortunately.

This lipstick didn't work for me, but it may work very well for others. I'd say if you're a very pale person, don't try it. The shade isn't too flattering for pale skin tones, but if you like the way it looks on you, then by all means rock it! I was personally quite disappointed with this lip product, though I'd like to try another Matte from Nyx and see if the formula itself is too drying for me or if it's just this particular color. 

Mini Gift-Haul

I got a couple of really nice gifts for the holidays that I wished to share here, as well as a couple of lip products that I treated myself to. I haven't gotten the chance to try these items yet, but I'm so excited to. I'm so happy with these gift sets!

First is this amazing little box of sample mascaras from Sephora. It also includes one full-size at the bottom, which is difficult to see here, but it's Smashbox's Full Exposure mascara. It also includes numerous smaller sizes of other popular mascaras, as you can see. I'm super excited to try all of these because I've never tried any of them! I've been sticking with Tarte's mascara, so these will be a welcome change to try. 

I also got Benefit's little blush gift box. Both of these were from my mom, she really knows how to gift! This includes several small squares of Benefit's most popular blushes, all of which I've never tried, as well as their popular Watt's Up highlighter and a little brush. I'm sooo excited to try all of these, they're so gorgeous! Oh, and Hoola I guess is more of a bronzer than a blush. It looks rather dark in the picture, but I promise it isn't. I've heard many great things about every blush in here. I'm beyond excited.

I'm afraid the quality of this one went out the window (the sun was setting), but that's okay. I got two of Nyx's soft matte lip creams today, because I am in LOVE with this product. I meant it when I said I wanted to collect every color. Here I got Prague, which is a smooth purple-ish/mauve color, and San Paulo, which is a bright red. 

So that's it for my tiny gift haul! It was more than enough I think. Despite the gift sets being smaller sizes, it'll still take me forever to get through them all. I'm just...so...happy!! :)