Anastasia Beverly Hills Masterclass by Mario Palette Review

Anastasia Beverly Hills Masterclass by Mario Palette Review 

By Amanda V. 

Just about everyone in the beauty industry knows Mario Dedivanovic aka @makeupbymario on Instagram. He's the celebrity artist behind all of Kim Kardashian West's iconic makeup looks as well as the rest of the Kardashians and Jenners. He is pretty much the king of sultry and sexy. Whether you're a fan of Kim Kardashian or not, the one thing you can't deny is that her makeup is always extra gorg and crushes hearts with that iconic bronzed eye. The minimalist in me has been preferring the natural looks she's been sporting recent especially her latest looks at Paris Fashion Week that Mario has given her as well as some of my girl crushes like actresses Shay Mitchell, Priyanka Chopra and Supermodel Jourdan Dunn. I was just about obsessed with it all. These makeup looks all trace back to Mario and his new Masterclass by Mario palette in collaboration with the ever popular Anastasia Beverly Hills brand. He himself has stated that Kim was his muse for the easy neutral shades in palette filled with multiple mattes and metallics. Everyone from the super minimalist to the Drag Queens will fall head over heels over this palette.

The hype about this product was so real, I knew I just had to grab it during the release day. Packed into a chic, simplistic cardboard palette with magnetic closure are beautiful rich warm and cool toned mattes, soft nude and smokey jewel toned metallics. This palette has everything you need to go from super soft day to super sultry night. It's very easy to work with that even beginners can slay. This product came out at the perfect time heading into the perfect season for these shades. These autumnal hues are reminiscent of the gorgeous shades of the falling leaves I see while walking through Central Park. This product gives me beautiful enchanted forest vibes. 

It is love at first swatch. What I absolutely love about these Anastasia Beverly Hills palettes is the quality and pigment of these shadows. They are buttery smooth and glide on like a dream. My favorite shade that I fell in love with is "Marina". It is the most beautiful, glowing, intense metallic peachy gold I've ever come across and it deserves infinite heart eye emojis. It is made of mermaid dreams, I just want to bathe in it. (Fun Fact: I have used it as a highlighter already). The photos will never do it justice. A close second in favorites in this palette is the shade "Bronx". A beautiful warm earthy olive shade with a gorgeous golden shimmer. This shadow shade is pretty similar to Urban Decay's "Stash" 24/7 glide on eye pencil. The mattes in this palette are the holiest of matte shadows. The pigmentation of these mattes are batshit crazy. The vibrancy is there even with a finger swatch and without using an eyelid primer/base. I did favor the "Isabel" matte shade. It's the perfect warm, light orange creamsicle shade that is ideal for transitioning in the crease. The only disappointing shade to me was Hollywood. It goes on a bit chalky and it wasn't as buttery smooth as the others and when blended it pretty much became transparent on me. I've always found that the quality of the shadows in ABH Palettes are better than the single shadows. They're softer and blend more seamlessly and attaches to the brush better and you don't have to keep digging into the shadow to get the intensity we all want from a shadow. Of course there is a bit of fallout but let's be real, what shadow doesn't? 

The cost of this palette is $45 for 12 shadows that's are 0.02oz each. The palette is Limited Edition so it might be difficult to get your hands on. What is a tad bit annoying is that all of the Anastasia Beverly Hills palettes from the past were all less than this price point. Even her permanent classic "Modern Renaissance" palette, which contained 2 more shadows than this one is slightly cheaper at $42 and The limited edition "Self-Made" palette which also had 14 shadows was only $35. The price increase is a bit wild but I understand that Mario has to make some collab profit. You will be getting your money's worth because it's a gorgeous palette with rich pigments which isn't always easy to come across and it can be used everyday for even the most subtle look. If you need more convincing just stare at the glowing swatch of "Marina" until you've completely surrendered soul,  and your dollars. 

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner Review

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Eyeliner

Written by: Danyelle V

FYI, I’ve been obsessed with navy smokey eyes for the whole of 2016. I have been in search for the perfect shade of navy blue and I have yet to find it. But this Steel Ink shade has calmed my need for something blue. This is one of the most beautiful shades I have ever seen. It is a deep greyish blue metallic base with tiny blue sparkles. Blue eyeshadow gets a bad rap, probably because every kid in middle school in the early 2000s wore frosty blue eyeshadow. When done right, it looks amazing. You’re missing out. I was nervous about using another Bobbi Brown product after I tested out the Sequin Eyeshadows. You can read more about my experience with them by clicking here. The amazing quality of the Longwear Gel Eyeliner goes to show that one product cannot speak for the entirety of a brand.

Every time I’ve used this Longwear Gel Eyeliner, I have been so in love with how my eye makeup turns out. I may write about makeup, but I am no wear near an expert in makeup application. If eye makeup were a video game, my level would be set to easy. Mostly, I like to think, it’s because I can’t see a thing without my glasses so I use a magnifying mirror. Or maybe that just makes me feel better. Whatever eye look I’m wearing, you can bet that I have practiced that look every night before bed for two weeks. Same colors, same products, varied tools. If you feel like your eye makeup game needs to level up, I urge you to do the same. Just practice that one look over and over until your hands already know where to go. But! Every time I’ve used this Longwear Gel Eyeliner, I get the look I want, the first time! I tried the ‘reverse’ wing liner all smokey and thick, I died. I used it for the edges of a halo eye -the blending, fantastic. A dramatic smokey eye, where this was LITERALLY the only thing on my eyelid, heaven. 

You could logically argue that may be my skills are just improving, and I hope that that is at least part of it. But in all my practicing, I’ve learned that, often times, that the product and the tools you use make all the difference in your final look. Notice that I did not say the price. You can slay an eye look with a NYX palette just as you could with one from Too Faced.

This eyeliner doesn’t dry too quickly, which gives you enough time to create the shapes and looks that you want. You can make your looks sharp and crisp or you can smudge them for a grunge look. Don’t be afraid to test products in ways that it is not marketed because this eyeliner applied as a shadow or base for a pigment looks so beautiful. I love the color so much. If you’ve tried it, leave a comment sharing your experience with it or if it is something that you would want to pick up. Until my next review for Meetpepperb.com, take care!

Available at Nordstrom; $26

Product Photo from Nordstrom.com

Photo taken with iPhone 5s

Kiss Fantasy Gel Ready to Wear Gel nails review

Get adorable nails at home with the Gel Fantasy Ready to Wear Nails. It is so much easier than going to the nail salon to be surrounded by some lady’s screaming kid. It’s much more affordable too. For about $8, you can have a professional looking gel manicure. They are available in many different styles, shapes, and colors for you to choose from. You can pick them up almost anywhere: Target, Walmart, a local beauty supply store.

They also are available for toe nails as well. Did you guys know this was a thing? Press on toe nails? My mouth dropped when I saw them in-store. I didn’t test out the toe nails but, quite frankly, if you want to know about them, ya’ll gonna have to do some independent research. I am not putting a picture of my feet on the internet. The toe nails are also available in many shades and designs, too. 

The package is equipped with everything you will need to complete your nails. There are 24 differently sized nails to choose from. Choose nails that are the same width as your finger nails. You will have a nail file and a wooden stick (which I still don’t know what for).You will also have two adhesive options. There is the traditional nail glue and differently sized double sided sticky pads. I prefer the glue. If you make last minute plans and your nails don’t look so great, you can have your nails done in about 5 minutes after you sort out the sizing for your nails. The glue is fast drying. When I removed the nails with just some warm water and acetone, my natural nail was not affected by the glue. You can also reuse the nails it you don’t damage them. 

Because the nails are a soft plastic, you can use the nail file to shape the nails to your liking. The shape of these Gel Fantasy nails were square. I prefer a more oval appearance because I have short fingers and an oval shape just slightly elongates their appearance. Making a beauty product look natural (ish) is possible if you just pay attention to the details. Pay extra attention to the shape of the cuticle end of the Gel Fantasy nails to match your nail shape. If you ever notice someone is wearing press on nails, it’s probably because the cuticle shape is really off. You can use the nail file to shape the cuticle side as well.

I’m a nail biter. Always have been. I never really paid much attention to my nails but I do want them to at least look cute some of the time. These nails are perfect if you have a nail biting problem. When I’ve worn the Gel Fantasy Ready to Wear nails, obviously, I couldn’t bite my nails so they were able to grow and look better. If you also have this bad habit, maybe it can help you too!

The Kiss Gel Fantasy Nails are absolutely worth looking into! It is great to try new styles and colors without making the commitment and investment that going to the salon would be. These are just fun to try! Let us know what you thought of this review and if you would try them!

Product Rating: 5 Star

Available at Target, Walmart; $7.99

Product Photo from Bojour.com

Photo taken with iPhone 5s

Kylie Cosmetics Lip Glosses Review

By: Amanda V.

When a majority of people hear the name Kardashian there's an instant eye roll. Die to overexposure this family is not the favorite of many.

Kylie Jenner made quite a name for herself in the makeup industry. From selling out every Mac store and counter of my favorite lip liners Whirl and Subculture for months (it was the saddest times in my beauty life) and there are hundreds and hundreds of makeup tutorials in how to get that Kylie Jenner Look of 2014/2015. It was only a matter of time before she came out with her own makeup line.

The Kylie Cosmetics Lip Kits were damn near impossible to grab during its first few months of release. Unless you were at home stalking the site at the announced release times, you didn't stand a chance. I was able to grab a few shades because my boss just so happens to have that good luck that I lack. Along with a handful of lip kits, I was most excited about her lip glosses when they released because I am a gloss girl on the daily. I had gotten the initial first 3 at the time they first released, "Like", "Literally" and "So Cute". These neutral glosses are absolutely gorgeous. They are thick but not gloss feeling at all what so ever and the color payoff is ace. It's so hard to find a neutral or a nude gloss that has pigmented, opaque, non-sticky and long lasting formula. I REPEAT... LONG LASTING!!! You will still have the gloss on after a giant Chipotle Burrito session. The chic glossy sheen is so beautiful and heart eyes emoji worthy, it officially has my gold star sticker of excellence.

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(From top to bottom: Like, Literally & So Cute. The left photo is without flash and the right photo is with flash.)

These glosses have become my go-to. I believe they are comparable to the Anastasia Beverly Hills lip glosses and my cult fave Stila Lip Glaze which I could not live without in high school. which I favor above all other glosses. I know there was drama around these products, saying that it's similar to Colourpop or that it is a Colourpop gloss/lipstick in Kylie packaging and priced 3x as much. I don't pay attention to that kind of stuff because it makes me lose excitement over makeup. (And just to clarify, I do not think the formula is the same as Colourpop. I feel and see the difference in pigment and texture. They both show different ingredients in product on the packaging) I can continue rambling on about why this doesn't bother me but I will not.This is an all around excellent product. AIt's pretty fun to play around with and layer over liners or as toppers to liquid lipsticks. One of my favorite combos that I use way too much are Dolce K Liner from the Kylie Lip Kits and Literally gloss... SO BOMB!!

The only downside to these glosses were that the brushes were disgusting. An absolute mess! So I use them with disposable doe foot wands or my Real Techniques retractable lip brush. My order of these glosses were one of the first, so I got to get the entire order all over again (free of charge) due to the trash brush applicators that came wth the initial batch. I thought it was pretty cool of Kylie Jenner to do that.

Try your best not to judge this product before you try it simply because you can't stand the Kardashian Klan, you will truly be missing out. These glosses retail at $15.00 and are double the size of sticky MAC lip glasses for the same price but with more longevity during the day. The only major upset about the brand itself is that the shipping is $8.95. If you live in NYC like myself, I see it as round trip train fare and a Venti Soy Misto Starbucks, as if I was going to store to purchase it. But then again, not quite so because it takes about 10 days total to process and ship which is a pain in the ass and express shipping isn't even an option (not that I want to know how much that would even cost). That needs to change because honestly that is the only thing that is stopping me from purchasing anything else from Kylie Cosmetics. I do recommend giving these glosses a chance, they are amazing (and she updated all of the applicators so they are good now) but try purchasing them on the rare occasion when Kylie announces that she has free shipping.

Honorable Mention: I recently purchased the Kylie Cosmetics Gloss in Exposed which is a warm nude and possibly my go to gloss for the autumn months. I'm so excited about this shade! It is Pumpkin Spice in lip gloss form ya'll!

Bobbi Brown Sequin Eyeshadow Review

The Bobbi Brown Sequin Eyeshadows are a beautiful disaster. When you open the compact that these baked eyeshadows are packaged in, your heart will stop. The swirl of colors and tiny glitters would make every beauty lover shed a tear as they dream up all of the fascinating looks they could blend into perfection. These domed shaped eyeshadows are going to break your heart; for all their beauty is a challenge fit for an Olympian. They are not for the faint of heart, they are not for your average makeup wearer, they are not a beginner’s product. Yes, you can make the eye shadow as beautiful on your eye as it is in the compact but…you gonna work, bitch. 

Imagine you are at a bar. From the corner of your eye, you see a gorgeous man; he is possibly the finest man you have ever seen. He sees you too and smiles. He comes over to you and as he begins to introduce himself, all you can smell is his horrid breath. You didn’t even catch his name, you ask again but you can’t even hear it because your mind is overcome with the stench that seeps from his very sexy lips. Imagine the disappointment you’d feel. That is how you are going to feel if you buy these eye shadows based on the swatches of them. These eye shadows swatch gorgeously but their performance and cost are going to make you question why you even came to this party.

When you apply the eye shadow, the color is going to look stunning. Once you begin to blend the shade, the color fades to a grey, patchy mess. All of them! They all break down into a grey mess. Packing on the color doesn’t help because it just fades. After many trials and so very many errors, I have finally found the best way to apply the Sequin eyeshadow. Use a very sticky base, a glitter glue if you can, apply the eye shadow with a setting spray to enhance the color, and then spray the final eye look with the setting spray to lock it in place. And even after all that work, you maybe have about 4 hours before the glitters and pigments start to fall down on your cheeks. If you used the Sequin Eyeshadows to create an editorial-messy-look, you’d love these eye shadows. I used Moon Rock in that way and liked it a lot. However! These eyeshadows are $36 each. That is too expensive for me to have to use so many other products to make it worth it. Especially when I can get a better shimmery, highly pigmented product for much cheaper. If these finishes are calling your attention, I recommend saving your money and picking up some Colourpop Super Shock Shadows instead. The pigmentation is better and they actually stay on your eye. The colors I suggest aren’t exact matches but they are close enough. Oh yeah, and they’re 5 bucks.

The shade that ripped out my heart. Do you see how beautiful of an eye shadow that is?! Greens are my favorite eyeshadows to work with. They look adorable with my brown eyes, blonde hair and my skin tone (let a girl appreciate herself). Once I cracked the code to these eyeshadows, I was able to make this one look great. Still, I would not recommend it. The Colourpop shade that could satisfy the urge for Comet is the Super Shock Shadow in the shade Shameless. It has more of a black base though. 

You’d have to wish on a shooting star to make Star Beam a worthy purchase. That is harsh, but it is true! The purple glitters just fall off your eyes and crash land like meteorites on your face. Look to Colourpop’s Evny instead.

If you absolutely needed to try just one of the Bobbi Brown Sequin eyeshadows, Moon Rock is your best bet. It actually isn’t terrible. I paired this with the Bobbi Brown Longwear Gel Eyeliner in Steel Ink and it lasted well. But I think that had much more to do with the eyeliner. Colourpop’s Rex is a similar shade but has more silver glitter while Moon Rock has more gold.

The Bobbie Brown Sequin eyeshadows are getting 2 stars because with a whole lot of elbow grease, they can look stunning. But there are eyeshadows that are much easier to work with that are much more affordable available. I think it would be wise to save your money and go elsewhere.

Estee Edit Beam Team - Bronze Review

Review written by Danyelle V 

The Estee Edit’s Beam Team: Hydrate + Glow will keep the summer in your skin all year! You will look like you just got back from a week dancing in Brazil, from a week swimming in the clear beaches of Puerto Rico, like Jennifer Lopez gave you the keys to her skincare routine. Glow. You will glow! All it is, really, is a tinted moisturizer and a highlighter. It’s so simple yet so beautiful! The packaging is sleek! The tube holds the moisturizer and the cap holds the cream highlighter. Two steps, and you just look effortless.

The only thing I don’t like about the Fall is that my beautiful summer glow fades week by week so that by the time December 1st arrives, I am grey and ashy. I’m dramatic. I’m still brown, but the warmth to my skin is gone! And you are not gonna find me laid up in a tanning bed, no ma’am. I’m not trying to look like a raisin by the time I’m 30. When my grandmother was in her mid-60s, people thought she was in her mid-40s and if I’m smart, I will also deceive the world to my true age. I know for a fact that it is her skincare that keeps her young. She could go through a bottle of body lotion in a week. I say all of this to tell you that I have found the summer in a beauty product! The Beam team makes your skin look healthy and relaxed! You can use it just as a tinted moisturizer or under your foundation. There isn’t any ‘coverage’ from the Beam Team but you can layer it for added color.

For that ‘woke up like this’ look, I used my fingers to apply a dime sized amount of the moisturizer to my face. Then I used the bronze cream highlight and applied it to my cheek bones. To give myself that ‘I just have amazing skin’ look, I apply a light to medium coverage concealer under my eyes and apply the Beam Team moisturizer and highlight. Then I finish with ‘natural’ brows and maybe a peach cream blush, throw on a lippie and head for the door. You will get compliments on your skin when you use the Beam Team. A few weeks ago, I got my hair done and while coloring my hair, my stylist said, “You have like no makeup on your face right now?” All I had on was the Beam Team, so I told her about it (because I’m not greedy lol. If I find an amazing product, I want everyone to know and use it too. So we can #GlowUpTogether).

In the first image, I just have one layer of the moisturizer on my face. In the second picture, I have two layers on my face, an extra layer on the perimeter of my face where I would use a bronzer and I used the Beam Team cream highlighter. I am not wearing concealer, or anything else (but brow powder). You can see that my skin just looks so healthy and glowy! I loved this product! When I showed my sister the pictures, she said I looked like I had airbrushed skin. Need I say more?! This product is pricey but I honestly think that you need it in your life. Keep summer in your skin and pick up The Estee Edit’s Beam Team.

Available at Sephora; $42

Product Photo from Sephora.com

EOS Review

I'm sure I am not the only one who has felt the shift in temperature. Now that it is officially fall it is time to reprioritize our skincare routine and make-up bag. All though EOS is an item that I use year round. During the winter time this is a my favorite because of texture. What impresses me most about this lip balm is that there is no need for consist reapplication. Make-up lovers! Liquid lipsticks are trending now, They are extremely drying especially during fall and winter season this a perfect combo underneath your liquid lips or matte lipsticks. EOS lip balms are Gluten, Paraben and Petroleum free. The Shea Butter and vitamin is what gives you that silky smooth texture. The are super small and compact and have a good shelf life. Also feel free to share it with your significant other. They don't have high shine so men can wear them too! Great one extra item to fight with my boyfriend lol. 

The best part of having a hydrating lotion with mild scent is that it doesn't interfere with your every day fragrance. Feel hydrated from head to toe using this on every part of your body especially on hands and feet during this upcoming season. Berry Blossom is probably my favorite because it can be worn alone. I feel extremely hydrated throughout the day and is extremely safe for me to wear at night to go to bed. I have extremely sensitive skin and it dermatologist tested. This may seem like something simple but I'm one who loves all my extra minutes of sleep so I need exact timing for clothes and make-up. The quick absorbing and no stick or greasy formula is ideal for a lady on the go like me. The price point is amazing for the quality. Thank me later! 

 See more EOS lip balm flavors on their Facebook page

@Glossier Boy Brow Review

Glossier Boy Brow Review 

By Amanda V.

Warning! I am here with yet another Glossier post. I apologize but I just can't get enough and I feel everyone should try them out because they are too good . This time it's the product that started my love affair with this brand. Also it's a makeup product rather than the usual Glossier skincare post. This is the holy grail Brow product that I absolutely cannot live without. Behold the great and powerful "Boy Brow" Brow Pomade. 

Let me just say this, This is NOT your average Brow gel boy!!! This tinted wax formula MAGICALLY mimics those full gorgeous brows of that beautiful boy from my freshman class in college who had the most gorgeous brows (and face) I've ever seen but that's a whole other story.

 

Its no secret huge fan of untouched, full, model off duty, Brooke Shields-esque brows (circa "The Blue Lagoon") She has ALWAYS been my ultimate BROWSPIRATION. I myself had pretty much always had a full brow. I've had a few mishaps in recent years, that I no longer trust anyone with my brows. You will always catch me slathering on Jamaican castor oil to get them back to their fullest. I stressed my brow sorrows until I came across the Boy Brow. 

Say goodbye to crunchy, stiff, wet, painted on brows for me. Although the clean and perfect "Instagram" brow can be beautiful, it is simply not my cup of tea. I'm more of a full and feathered kind of girl. The wonderful, conditioning wax formula of the Glossier Boy Brow keeps my brows full and in place without the flakes that some Brow gels tend to leave. This sheer pigments in this magnificent little tube will give you the illusion of a fuller thicker, natural brow. The formula is smooth and creamy that the want glides over my brow hairs with each feathery up and out stroke. The magical tiny wand brush is a dream to work with and helps control the application of the product as you shape and set your brows. This pomade has uber conditioning let ingredients like Oleic Acid to nourish and moisturize and Atelocollegento condition and strengthen the brow hair's fibers. So you're pretty much treating your brows with some TLC as you fluff it up. 

The Boy Brow like most Glossier products is great for sensitive skin. I didn't have tiny breakouts like some brow gels tend to give and claims to be for all skin types. It is also hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist tested, dermatologist tested so I think it's pretty good to go for all skin types. 

If you're oily, you should definitely give this product a go. I used it most of this past hot and humid summer when my skin is more on the oily side and it would last a full work day and then some. 

 

This tiny tube retails for $16 on the Glossier website. Although tiny, a little goes a VERY long way and would last you quite some time. It comes in 3 very sheer, workable shades (Blonde, Brown and Black). Grab this gem while you can because they are in high demand and frequently sell out, especially Brown and Black). The bigger the brow the badder you are. Own your fluffiness. Thank me later and go make Cara Delevingne proud.

Dissolve the Drama Makeup Remover and Cleanser by The Estee Edit Review

Wash away every particle of your makeup without burning your eyes thanks to The Estee Edit’s Dissolve the Drama Makeup Remover + Cleanser.

 

Cleansing oils are so on trend right now but this isn’t one of those trends that will vanish in a blink of an eye the way I hope overalls will. Why are they back in style?

 

With its light aloe scent, Dissolve the Drama melts away my makeup instantly. I just poured some cleanser into the palm of my hand and applied it to my dry face in gentle circular motions to get all of the makeup off. When you add water to this cleanser, it doesn’t lather which I like because it helps to keep my skin hydrated. Instead, it becomes a milky consistency that leave your skin feeling smooth. I like to use Dissolve the Drama as a makeup remover rather than a cleanser; not because my skin reacted negatively to it but because this product is super expensive. While skincare is an investment, I just can’t see myself spending $32 every time I need a makeup remover.

 

For me, the true test of any cleanser, oil or otherwise, is to see how easily it gets off all of those ‘blackest black’ mascaras. I was wearing the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara the first time I used the Dissolve the Drama Make Remover. If you’ve worn this mascara, you know it can be hell to get off your lashes and it usually takes a few tries to remove the raccoon eyes that it tends to leave behind. Honey! Listen. I put a few drops on my fingertips, gently rubbed it over my eye makeup and through my lashes and in seconds my eyes were clean. Fully clean. I just rinsed off the oil and followed up with my cleanser. If you try The Estee Edit’s Dissolve the Drama Makeup Remover + Cleanser, I know you are going to love it!

100% Pure Argan Oil by Josie Maran

Hydrate and treat your body from head to toe with this beauty oil!

The Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil truly is a multipurpose beauty oil. I’ve used it on the ends of my hair, to moisturize my face, and even to massage my feet.

Every summer, my hair suffers. She dries out from the heat of the sun and the salt of the ocean. My usually well-kept long, strawberry blonde hair gets no love in summer. Even if I routinely treat my processed hair to deep moisturizing conditioners, come September, I need a serious haircut. The Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil has saved the split ends of my hair. After I wash my hair, I apply a few drops directly to the ends of my hair and massage the oil up half of the hair shaft avoiding my scalp. The oil also works well to calm my frizzy hair too! If you have wavy, frizzy hair, sometimes the worst thing you can do is run a brush through it because it turns into this huge mess! To tame the beast, (my hair) I take 3-4 drops of the oil, rub it between my hands and then run it through my hair. It acts like a smoothing serum. Now I can leave my house looking like a human.

The scent of the 100% Pure Argan Oil is just about the only thing I’m not super fond of -but once it dries, you don’t even notice it. The dropper also needs some work because it does drip. I also do not use this to moisturize my face. I have very normal to combination skin but my forehead needs extra moisture. From my eyebrows to my chin, the hydration from the Argan oil is sufficient but it isn’t enough for my forehead. If you have extra dry skin, the moisture from the Argan Oil may not be enough. However, there are plenty of uses for the Argan oil.

A great way to use the Argan oil is to moisturize any dry patches on your body. I’m going to share a pet peeve of mine that is purely judgmental, sorry in advance if it bothers you. I can’t stand when I see people with super dry elbows and knees. Dry to the point where the skin is ashy and cracked. Is there no lotion in your house? Is there any kind of moisture in your home? In elementary school, the girl who sat next to me had these dry to the bone elbows. In a crowded classroom of nearly forty kids, our desks were right next to each other. Every so often, her elbow would bump my arm and her dry elbow would scratch me! ‘Til this day, my skin crawls when I see crusty elbows so I like to keep my skin soft and hydrated. I’ve been applying the Argan oil to my elbows and knees every night and my skin is soft and supple.

The oil is expensive but I do think it is worth checking out. I know Sephora often has it as a point perk so snatch it up when you see it! Give this beauty oil a try and you will find that your skin and your hair will thank you!

Kiss New York Professionals - Dead Sexy Lashes,Volume and Define Review

                                                              No mascara                          Volume and Define applied together

Mix a mascara cocktail with this dual ended Kiss New York Professionals- Dead Sexy Lashes: Volume and Define Mascara. The volumizing end of the mascara has a chubby wand with thick, soft bristles that will add tons of volume to your lashes. My lashes looked thicker and fuller! The defining side has a thin, short wand, with bristles to match, that add length and definition to your lashes. While the formula for this mascara isn’t waterproof, it does hold up nicely throughout the day without flaking or smudging. The defining side works so well for my lower lashes. I usually don’t even bother putting mascara on the lower lash line but this mascara makes them look so long and separated that I fell in love with it.  

What I like about this product, and love about makeup in general, is that you get to experiment with it. Have you ever tried a product, liked it, but felt like it just needed something else? You can mix and match products to get the effect, color, and finish that you want. I love mixing a glowy bronzer with a rosy blush, I seldom wear just one lipstick, and you can bet that I’ve probably layered two different mascaras right now. Kiss New York Professionals- Dead Sexy Lashes: Volume and Define Mascara just took out all of the guess work for me.

If the mascara works so well, why does it only have 3 stars? The packaging is a major fail. Every time I open each end of the mascara, the stoppers pop out. The stoppers are what hold all the liquid in the tube and what helps to take off the excess product from the wand. The first time it happened, there was a mess all over my desk. It wastes so much product each time to wipe off the mascara. The application is made even more difficult by the fact that the wands are super short and the packaging is very chunky. It can be hard to reach all of your lashes. Maybe my mascara was just a dud, but more than half of the formula has had to be cleaned off my desk rather than my lashes. If you love Kiss products, I would suggest giving this one a try because it really does look gorgeous. However, there are similar, equally affordable mascaras on the market that will give you the same effect without the mess.

Product Rating: 3 stars

Available at kissnypro.com ; $9

Product Photo from kissnypro.com

Photo taken with iPhone 5s

Glam Glow Lip POUTMUD review

Written by Deanna .P

When I first received GlamGlow POUTMUD™ Fizzy Lip Exfoliating & Wet Lip Balm Treatment Duo, I was super impressed with the bright pink & silver lettered fancy packaging.    I had never seen a lip product packaged so nice.  I even liked the fact that it was two lip treatments in one.  

The set contains: 

• 0.88 oz Fizzy Lip Exfoliating Treatment 
• 0.88 oz Wet Lip Balm Treatment 

 To use, you start with the exfoliating tub.  Massage a generous amount on lips for 5-10 seconds.  Gently massage with water & this will activate the fizzy renewing action.  Rinse with warm water.  Recommend use is 2-3 times a week.  

The treatment is said to renew, energize & smooth lips.  The exfoliation complex consists of caribbean cane sugar, Hawaiian sea salt, and hibiscus flower powder, and is further boosted with an antioxidant-rich tropical fruit blend of sweet almond oil, guava, cherimoya, star fruit, lychee, and mangosteen. The wet lip balm tub is to be applied evenly next.  This can be used anytime.  The Wet Lip Balm Treatment is supposed to instantly make lips feel softer, hydrated, and look restored.   It’s formulated with a super hydration infusion of sweet almond oil, cocoa butter, murumuru butter, shea butter, tamanu oil, and babassu oil, and enhanced with kombucha extract Both lip essentials contain teaoxi® Moroccan mint leaf for sweet, minty, kissable lips. There is no Parabens, Sulfates, or Phthalatesin the product. The GlamGlow line was originally created by a couple in California in 2011to be used exclusively for backstage & professional useby Hollywood movie stars.

Glenn & Shannon Dellimore formulated it in their home & gave it out to some of their actor friends to try.  The products worked so well that they received a call from a top luxury brand that wanted to retail the products.  And the rest is as they say, history!  

I tried the treatment & I was definitely impressed.   I had tried many lip balms, chapsticks, etc, but they never made my lips feel so good.  This 2 part system really worked to soften, restore & invigorate my lips.  The ingredients all felt natural smelled delectable, & the end result was a perfect pout.  My lips felt & looked so good, I was tempted to go sans lipstick  for the first time in many years.

I thought the price at $39.00 was a little high, but was worth it for this lip treatment.   I would definitely recommend this & would also try other products. 

Here’s more information on them & where to buy:

http://www.glamglow.com

Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night treatment & Grease Relief Facial Water Review

Written by Deanna P

Who is Ole Henriksen?  Imust be hiding under rock because, had absolutely no idea & now for some reason after receiving some of his products to review he is popping up everywhere.   To answer the question he is a Scandinavian skincare expert who was born in Denmark & who has devoted his life to skincare & cosmetic chemistry. 

He started his career as a dancer & model & developed cystic acne, was cured, & developed a passion for skincare.  He went to the College of Beauty in London & upon graduation he opened Ole Henriksen of Denmark skincare center in Beverly Hills.  He becamevery well known appearing on talk shows, writing books, & eventually being recognized as the skincare guru to the stars. He launched his first line in 1980 & was bought by LVMH in 2011 making his skincare brand prosper globally.  As of today, Sephora is his #1 retail partner & he refers to it “as a marriage made in heaven”. His products are supposed to make you be able to experience the spa experience at home. I tried two of his products below: 

Ole Henriksen

Invigorating Night Treatment

overnight resurfacer

SIZE 1.7 oz/ 50 mL $48.00

A lightweight facial gel to make your complexion look more youthful.   It works to seal in vitamins & minerals & diminish fine lines, wrinkles,  & smooth texture.  The product contains no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates & is vegan.  

To use, at night, apply to clean face, neck & decolete &follow with a moisturizer

Ole Henriksen

Grease Relief™ Facial Water

Size’ SIZE 4 oz $22.00

A facial mist that purifies & mattifys the skin with an herbal botanical blend of lactic acid, golden seal, & hops extract.   This is recommendedfor oily or combination skin.   It solves the problem of oiliness & uneven texture/dullness.  The product contains no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.

To use, mist 5 sprays onto a cotton pad & smooth on a dry face in a circular motion.  

I really like both of these products.  They really did mimic a spa like facial on my skin.   The night treatment was much more needed for my skin as I do have fine line & wrinkles.  I did see a slight improvement after a week & I feel with more treatment I will be more than satisfied with the results.  

The grease relief went on my skin & definitely felt amazing, but my skin is more dry than oily so it is not the optimal product for my skin type.  I do believe if you had these skin types, you would be satisfied with the results as the products seemed to get positive online feedback.  The prices were fair & the product is a good value.  A professional facial at a spa these days is at least $90 & these products both together were substantially less than that.  With Ole Henriksen’s experience & passion for skincare, I do believe in his products & would definitely purchase in the future.

To purchase these products & more, click here:

http://www.sephora.com/ole-henriksen?icid2=product_link_brand

Terra bronzer by Tom ford review

Written by Christine .Q

It is the end of summer. No more Summer Fridays, the Museum of Ice Cream in New York is gone, and no more bronzy glow. Well, wait. That last part wasn't true. It might be a little bit harder to get a nice natural tan going under your fall clothes, but you can definitely still get some bronze going via the magic of make-up! Let me share with you my favorite bronzer. I think I've written about Tom Ford a gazillion times already on meetPepperB.com. Let's finish off the series with one of my favorite projects from his line and one of my favorite products of all time: the Bronzer Powder in Terra. I use this baby year round because a) it's freaking gigantic and I will never run out b) it's amazing. It's the perfect shade, not too orange, with a slight gray undertone that blends beautifully. Not to mention, it's completely matte so you won't look like a dirty disco ball. I like to use this to contour and after powdering, a light dust all over to give some color. 

How much do I love it? It was by my side on my wedding.

Colourpop Super Shock Cheek Highlighter in “Flexitarian”

By: Amanda V.

Once again I come to you with yet another product for Glowing Goddess skin. The brand Colourpop is one of the greatest things to happen to the beauty industry. Innovative formula, affordable price tag with premium pigmentation. They recently came out with 4 new Super Shock Cheek Highlighters. They are all absolutely STUNNING!!! I posted the swatches on my Instagram and they’re just so 

Aesthetically pleasing that all I can do is stare. It's like a glistening Christmas tree. 

(Swatches from My Instagram post. From left to Right: Do Not Disturb, Flexitarian, Candyman & Might Be.)

The shade that stuck out for me was “Flexiatrian”. This cool toned, silvery champagne shade is seriously like diamonds for your skin. The BEAM IS REAL!!! It’s not for the faint-hearted. This incredible pearlized finish highlighter glides on so smoothly like a dream. the formulation of these particular products are unique and extremely delicate like silk. I dropped one of them and the product popped out but I pressed it back in gently thank god. I prefer to apply this product with my fingers and dab it on lightly. I pack it on to the intensity that I prefer. Sometimes I’ll grab a slightly damp beauty blender just so that the finish is more flawless. This gives me that lit from within glow. This highlight will last ALL DAY, especially when set with a spray like Mac Fix+ or Urban Decay's All Nighter. 

photo with Flash 

No flash

The Colourpop Highlighters all retail for about $8 flat for 0.15oz of product on the Colourpop website, tax free and the shipping is free when you spend $30. This item is a complete steal. This product has not affected my skin in anyway, it's pretty gentle in my honest opinion. The only complaint I have about this product is that they don’t last too long. my highlighters from last summer song seem as pigmented and as silky. I suggest you use it up constantly so you don’t end up having to toss it. That is the single reason why I knocked off a star. Easy to use and inexpensive, it's perfect for young girls who are just starting out with makeup. Grab yourself a few, I highly recommend. 

NOTE: CLOSE THE JARS AS TIGHT AS YOU CAN. If not, the unique silky formula will dry out. 

Formula X Polish Review

FormulaX Prime XCel base coat & Formula X The Colors Nail Polish-Pyrotechnic

Written by Deanna P

Formula X nail brand is owned by Kendo.  Kendo is in San Francisco & they create & acquire beauty brands & work on turning them into global powerhouses.   The name Kendo is a play on the words CAN DO.  The brand was started by David Suliteanu in 2010 while he worked as CEO of Sephora Americas.  In 2014 he left Sephora to work at Kendo full time as the company became independent of Sephora & now has joined LVMH’s Perfumes & Cosmetics group.  They are the world’s largest luxury brand group.

Formula X touts itself as the next in nail technology.  They make the claim on havingintense color saturation, brilliant shine, and high-endurance finishes all in one bottle. There are no Parabens, Sulfates or Phthalates used in their products. tried two products from the brand,  Prime XCel Base Coat & Formula XThe Colors-Nail Polish -Pyrotechnicdynamite red Both are sized at12 ml 0.4 FL OZ and retail for$10.50. The base coat is supposed to protect nails & make the polish stay on better while also help prevent the nails from staining.    It is formulated with a bonding agent & keratin to really help the polish stay on longer.  The polish applicator has also been improvedto make application easier & able to finish in fewer strokes.  

The nail polish comes in a variety of different colorsfrom brights to neutrals.   They also havean added ingredient called ShineXcel which enhances color & shine.  In an independent study, Formula X nail polish was tested against leading nail polishes.  Formula X proved to be shinier, wore better, & stayed on longer.  I usually go to a salon for a manicure, but I tried Formula X for a manicure at home & I thought both the base & polish worked great.  Easy to apply & with better than salon like results, my manicure actually lasted a full week & is still in decent shape.  I am crazy about the color & the base coat definitely helps with keeping the manicurelooking good.   

I definitely think it was worth the price of $10,50 each as a manicure in the salon is usually more than this.  

I would definitely recommend this Nail Polish line

To find out more or purchase, click here to see the array of products & colors that the brand offer.

http://www.sephora.com/formula-x

Ouai Haircare Hair Oil Review

By: Amanda V.

My natural hair is very frizzy, curly, and slightly unruly. Although my natural hair is a big fro, it is fine and because of this I don’t like to weigh it down with multiple products. I like to keep my haircare routine as simple as possible. Shampoo, conditioner or sometimes a co wash, a hair mask or deep conditioner and then heat protectant (if using heat) and hair oil because my hair is pretty dehydrated. Most hair oils are way too thick for my hair and the build up becomes too much that I have to wash my hair way more than I'd like to, which is stripping my hair of it’s natural oils. Early this summer I came across Ouai Hair Oil from Sephora.
The creator of the brand, Jen Atkin is known as the Queen of the celebrity hair world with clients like Jessica Alba, The Kardashian Clan Chrissy Teigen. Who doesn't envy their gorgeous, healthy mane? Each person from her clientele has stunning hair so I took a chance and grabbed it knowing that if I was unhappy with it I can always take it back. Since it was so hot and humid this summer, I abandoned my blowouts and mostly wore my hair natural and curly with very minimal product. This hair oil became a staple in my routine. It is so lightweight and nourishing that my hair never looked frizzy and parched and my curls never weighed down. They still had a bounce. After realizing how much I loved the way this product worked with my natural texture, I decided to try this oil with a blowout. WOW. My hair looks healthy and silky without looking stiff and extremely oily. It doubles as a heat protectant so I don't have to really use all the heat protecting balms and sprays. It is that perfect all in one product. It's great for taming frizz and flyaway as well as that finishing drop for a post blowout shine. This oil also protects my freshly darkened locks from fading and becoming dull. The scent of this product is what makes it feel so luxurious. It has a chic, fresh floral scent that isn’t too overpowering.

For 26 US dollars you get 1.7oz of product which is pretty decent considering it will last you 3 months if used frequently. That's how long it lasted me and I just finished a bottle. This oil works for everyone but especially Those of us with more fine stands. Check this oil out ASAP! It really is incredibly lightweight and the perfect multitasking hair product. I personally cannot wait to try out a few more hair products from the OUAI line. You can say I'm OUAI too addicted now.


Fun Tip: I mix this oil with my leave in/deep conditioners and masks. I feel like it makes a difference.

Glossier Mega Greens Galaxy Pack Review

Written Amanda V 

I’m always dabbing into new masks, searching for the perfect masks to add to my skincare collection that seems to keep growing and growing. I’ve experienced the good, the bad and the ugly. For awhile I’ve been wanting to try the Glossier Mega Greens Galaxy Pack Detoxifying Face Mask. Apparently it’s a juice cleanse for your skin. It is jam packed with super antioxidants and those superpower nutrients like leafy greens for a deep cleanse, exfoliants from orange peels and moisturizing avocado oil, and a creamy white clay to purify your pores. Doesn’t that just sound super good for you? How can you not be drawn in to try it.

I slathered a layer onto my slightly damp skin, after using my holy grail Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser and let it set for 20 minutes. You skin will start to tingle a bit, and you can actually feel the mask sucking out the impurities from your face. BYE BYE GUNK!! (for some of you who aren’t used to this type of mask which is reminiscent of GlamGlow, it might be uncomfortable for you at first but i promise its good) I rinsed my face clean with lukewarm water and my skin looked incredible. BABY SMOOTH SKIN!!! I was left with the faintest shade of pink after rinsing and patting my face lightly with a towel. But after a minute or two I was simply left with squeaky clean, radiant, smooth, clear skin. My pores were noticeably less visible. INCREDIBLE! Who would have thought that this little $22 dollar mask would actually work as well as my $70 GlamGlow? For a little extra treatment I followed up with a 20 minute session of my trusty Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask. This Mega Greens Galaxy Mask is free of any harsh chemicals and lab crap, so that you can use it weekly or you can even use this mask as frequent as you wish. It is THAT gentle! It is for all skin types including those with sensitive skin (YAY!) 

For the perfect end to the work week and/or school week, treat yourself for 45 minutes with a cleanse followed by back to back Face Masks session while watching an episode of Stranger Things on Netflix or a couple of chapters of the new Harry Potter (that’s what I did, I’m a nerd. I can’t help it). 

For $22 (incredible price for a mask THAT ACTUALLY DOES IT”S JOB if you ask me!!!) you are recieving 3oz of product, as well as my favorite… GLOSSIER STICKERS!! You can only purchase Glossier Products on their website (Glossier.com) The packaging is minimalist cute just like all of their other products. Grab yourself a jar to try out and add some of the included stickers to it so that when you see it, you will smile while grabbing it out of your shelf. It’ll remind you you to be happy and relax while wearing it. The smallest things can bring a smile to your face. 

Heydey Nyc Review

Written by Christine Q

There comes a point in your life where skincare is as important as eating your veggies. Case in point, I'll use myself as an example. I've spent countless amounts of money on skincare but up until last year, there were more than a handful of nights I was too lazy to wash my make-up off, slather on the serums and oils, and cap it off with a moisturizer. Sometimes, when I did wash my face, I'd use a bar of Irish Spring and moisturize with body lotion. Don't judge me, it matched my busy-lazy girl lifestyle. 

I've always wanted to be one of those people who was religious about getting facials. Why? I hear facials can help undo some of the things I've subjected my skin to. But time and money is always an issue. And because we've also established that I'm a busy/lazy girl. Well, where there's a problem, there's a solution. I recently discovered HeyDay. It's not a spa, it's kind of like the MassageEnvy for facials. Easy to book, opens early (7 am!) and closes late (10 pm!), nice clean shop, and takes the guesswork out of what type of facial you should get. 

I came in at lunch and was out the door within an hour. The goal of HeyDay is to make getting facials a regular thing. I can proudly say I've gone back twice since the first time. 

If you're in the New York area, I highly recommend checking it out and making it a part of your habit!

Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner

Throw some glitter, make it rain on ‘em is all I could think when I wore this liner. What is it about glitter?! Somehow it manages to make everything better. Your makeup, your mood, your credit score. Everything!

 

 

Urban Decay is one of those brands that knows what they’re doing? Their makeup performs beautifully, the packaging is fly, and you look and feel damn good when wearing their products. Whether your makeup tastes are clean and classic or gothic and all black everything, they got you. Urban Decay is one of the brands that we makeup and beauty lovers can depend on for a high quality product. They released the Heavy Metal Glitter Eye Liners in six shades. The base of the liners are clear and packed with tiny little glitters that will put the cherry on top of any makeup look. The applicator is a brush tip that is dense enough to hold the glitter and flexible enough to help create any look to bring out the makeup artist in all of us. The liner layers nicely without clumping or crumbling. There is minimal fallout which is a miracle because, well, glitter.

Ever since I got my hands on the Heavy Metal Glitter Eye Liner in the shade Junkshow, I have not put it down. I’ve worn it half the summer and has lasted all day. The majority of the glitters are a mid-tone warm pink with accents of blue, peach, and green. This shade is so pretty! The second I swatched the shade, I wanted to pair it with one of Urban Decay’s most well-known eyeshadows, Fireball. The duo-chrome eyeshadow is a peachy, reddish shade that reflects an iridescent purple. It is my favorite eyeshadow so if it were to ever be discontinued, I’d be in mourning. I also like to use it as a cheek highlighter when I’m feeling extra. I created a warm brown halo look with Fireball as the center shade. I then layered Junkshow right over where Fireball was and fell in love. Junkshow and Fireball are a match made by the beauty gods. It isn’t always true that paying more for a product means you will get better quality but it is true in this case. I’ve tried the NYX glitter liners which run for about $7. While they are a great product and are much more affordable, they don’t have the same longevity or buildability as the Heavy Metal Glitter Eye Liners from Urban Decay. The NYX glitter liners would crack and flake throughout the day if I layered the product for intensity. They do work really well on the inner corner, though. Whiel the Heavy Metal Eye Liners are on the expensive side, $20 to be exact, I think they are worth it! I need to get my hands on more shades!