I LOVE IT!!! NYX Xtreme Lip Cream

Let me just jump right on into this... Oh how I love these new lip creams! It was literally love at first sight when I saw these, my only dilemma was, which color do I buy first? If you've seen my review on the Soft Matte Lip Cream, then I'll simply say THESE bad boys blow those out the water! 

One of the major differences of the Xtreme and Soft Matte Lip Creams are the finishes. Soft Mattes are a creamy matte finish while the Xtreme lip creams have a dewy/moist finish.  Also, the Xtreme lip creams ALL have a much more opaque application with just one swipe. I found that with the Soft Mattes, I had to build a couple of layers to get the coverage I wanted and the color you see in the tube. But all the issues I had with those seem to have been addressed and the corrections applied to the new Xtreme Lip Creams. 

NYX Xtreme Lip Creams in SPICY & SKINTONE

Doe foot applicator

L-R: Spicy & Skintone

Indoor lighting: SKINTONE

Indoor W/Flash: SKINTONE

Low Lighting NO Flash: SKINTONE

 

Indoors W/Flash: SPICY

 

Indoors NO Flash: SPICY

 Low Lighting: SPICY

What I love most, besides the full coverage of these beauties, is the fact that they are non-drying! I don't even need to apply a balm to get that smooth and even coverage, I just swipe the wand over bare lips and I am ready to dash! And for only $6 each, I'm going to grab a couple of the other colors that I really liked, as well as a few backups of SKINTONE.... which turns out to be my HG nude lippie!!!!! Though a bit warmer (which I LOVE... stops that washed out look), it's pretty much a dupe for the discontinued MAC Underplay.  See Photos!

(w/ Flash) L-R: NYX Skintone, MAC Underplay, NYX Soft Matte in Abu Dhabi (for reference)


(NO Flash) L-R: NYX Skintone, MAC Underplay, NYX Soft Matte in Abu Dhabi (for reference)


(W/Flash) Top Lip: MAC Underplay, Bottom Lip: NYX Skintone


(Indoors) Top Lip: MAC Underplay, Bottom Lip: NYX Skintone


(Natural Light) Top Lip: MAC Underplay, Bottom Lip: NYX Skintone


(Low Lighting) Top Lip: MAC Underplay, Bottom Lip: NYX Skintone

As you can see from the photos, SKINTONE is darker and a bit warmer than UNDERPLAY on the hand, but when applied to the lips... you really can not tell the difference!!!!!

What do you guys think of the NYX Xtreme Lip Creams? Anybody else jump at the chance to try these bad boys? If not, what shades would you like to get your hands on?

P.S- How's everyone's 2012 going so far?

With Love,

Ms. Brina

Haulin' in 2012: LA Colors Jumbo Eye Pencils [swatches]

First and foremost, Happy 2012 to all you lovely people! It’s been awhile since I’ve posted, so obviously, my New Year’s Resolution is to give my blog the love & attention it deserves LOL. That being said, I’ve completed my 1^st haul of 2012!!!! I’ve got a few [inexpensive] goodies to show you guys over the next few weeks, so stay tuned for some great finds and swatches!

I’ve seen and heard great things about the NYX Jumbo eye pencils over the years. And after noticing it in a couple million youtube videos, I even picked up one in Milk after realizing that a good base works wonders for eyeshadow color payoff and longevity. Did I like it? Yeah. Was it life changing? Not really. Did I buy more? Nope. Call me crazy, but I’d rather splurge and drop $20-$30 on a primer like Nars’ eyeshadow base  [which I can use on every look] rather than drop $4 for a colored pencil that only really helps if I’m using something in that particular hue. Now, I’m no mathematician, and it may even prove cheaper to go the pencil route, but I always choose convenience [i.e- Nars’ primer, UD shadow insurance, etc.] over what’s trending.

So… I’ve said all of that to bring us to this review of an alternative to the NYX jumbo pencil that is just as great [maybe even better] and much cheaper!

I give you the LA Colors jumbo eye pencils!!!!

L-R: Tropical Bliss, Vacation, Sun Kissed, Popsicle, Caribbean, ,Summer Love, Summer Time, Limeade.

So colorful, so creamy, so pigmented…. so VERY affordable! I’m talking $1.50 a pop! Yes, I said $1.50 per pencil… not on sale…. that’s regular price… have I got your attention? Good. There are currently 24 shades to choose from, and if they all are like the 8 I picked up then I’ll end up with the entire collection for sure.  They smudge and blend very well, and were crease free for about 4+ hours when used over my Nars base.

 Enjoy the swatches!

 

L-R: Tropical Bliss, Vacation, Sun Kissed, Popsicle, Caribbean, ,Summer Love, Summer Time, Limeade.

Have you all tried any of these pencils yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts on these or any other bases that work wonders for you.

~Brina