Manna Kadar Brow Defining Expert 15 Piece Collection

Press Sample (Unaffiliated Links)

If you are seeking a fuss-free brow kit that has everything that you could ever need, then check out the Manna Kadar Brow Defining Expert 15 Piece Collection. This high quality set is cruelty-free, it's easy to use, and most of the collection is conveniently housed within a sturdy and travel-friendly palette. It is also worth noting that the selection of shades can either be used alone, or mixed together for the a wide range of brow colors. My brows are deep brow/black, and I am able to use the darkest shade alone.

Set Includes:

• 3 Brow Stencils
• 1 Dual Ended Brow Pencil
• 6 Brow Powders
• 1 Spoolie
• 1 Angled Brush
• 3 Highlighting Brow Shades

According to Manna Kadar,

The Brow Defining Expert was created with essential tools to simplify your eye brow routine. Create the perfect natural brow in minutes. 

KEY BENEFITS:

Multiple eyebrow stencils to fit any face shape

Spoolie to tame your brows

Dual ended pencil to fill & perfect

Clear brow gel to set your brow

Above (Left to Right): Dual-Ended Brow Pencil and 3 Highlighting Brow Shades

Below (Left to Right): 6 Brow Powders

Ingredients: Brow Highlighting Powder - Mica, Talc, Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum), Magnesium Myristate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Kaolin, Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera), Polyisobutene, Phenoxyethanol. [May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI77891), Iron Oxides (CI77491, CI77499, CI77492)] Brow Defining Powder - Mica, Talc, Kaolin, Silica & Methicone, Magnesium Myristate, Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum), Phenoxyethanol, Ethyhexyl Palmitate. [May Contain: Iron Oxidxes (CI77491, CI77492,CI77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI778910} Definer/Highlighter Brow Duo Pencil - Ehylhexyl Palmitate, Ozokerite, Silica, Cyclopentasiloxane, Beeswax (Cera Alba), Hydrogenated Styrene/isoprene Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol. [May Contain: Iron Oxides (CI77499, CI77491, CI77492), Titanium Dioxide (CI77891)].

Overall Assessment: This is a really good value for a very high quality brow kit.

$29.00 from Manna Kadar (Unaffiliatedd Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own. Copyright © 2021 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Smashbox Makeup to Covet for the Eyes, Brows, Lips & Cheeks

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Smashbox, in case you were wondering,  makes fantastic quality makeup that is actually affordable. If you are looking to pick up a few new pieces for the new year without going into debt– then here are a few of my top picks.

Smashbox Blush Rush in Radiance

Smashbox Blush Rush features an ultra finely milled formula that glides across the skin effortlessly and it deposits color evenly. It neither settles into fines, nor does it emphasize pores, but instead it melts into the skin leaving a flush of natural and luminous color. This blush has all of the hallmarks of an ultra luxury blush at an infinitely affordable price. The compact itself is quite clever and pragmatically designed because it has a stowaway mirror tucked into the bottom of the compact that swivels out for quick makeup touch-ups.

Radiance is described as a bright fuchsia, and while it is quite bright in the pan the buildable formula it can be sheered out for a light flush or built up for maximum impact. I prefer applying it with a light hand for a light healthy flush

According to Smashbox,

Get a gorgeous rush of color with this ultra-luxurious, long-wearing blush packaged in an innovative swivel mirror compact for touch ups on-the-go.

($24.00 for 0.13 from Smashbox, Sephora, Macy's, Ulta, Nordstrom and Beauty.com)

Smashbox Be Legendary Cream Lipstick in Red Rage

Smashbox Be Legendary Cream Lipstick in Red Rage is an intensely pigmented blue-based red with a touch of fuchsia that has a creamy dreamy texture that glides across the lips effortlessly, deposits color evenly, and doesn't migrate or settle into lip lines. The color, while quite intense, can be sheered out for a wash of color, blotted to be worn as a stain, or built up for maximum opacity. The finish has a slight sheen that glistens beautifully in the light. The formula is creamy and very comfortable on the lips, and I get about 4-5 hours of wear before needing to touch up. I should also note that I detect no fragrance or flavor, and therefore this formula should not pose a problem for those among you who prefer fragrance free makeup.

According to Smashbox,

A revamped cream lipstick collection in rich and creamy reds, eye-catching pinks, sultry berries, and universally-flattering neutrals.

Be Legendary Lipstick Cream features silky-smooth shades with lasting, intense pigments to glide on lightweight, show-stopping lip color. These vitamin-fortified cream colors do not settle unevenly on the lips or dry out. Smashbox created and tested every hue in their L.A. photo studio to guarantee that color stays true in photographs and lasts throughout an all-day shoot.

($21.00 for 0.10 oz. from Smashbox, Sephora, Macy's, Ulta, Nordstrom and Beauty.com)

Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner in Violetta

I have always worn eyeliner pencils, and continually seek long-wearing formulas that are kind to sensitive eyes. Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner in Violetta, described as a prune shade, is a gorgeous blackened plum liner that offers a stunning alternative to black eyeliners. Violetta glides on without tugging or pulling, and the creamy formula deposits the perfect amount of pigment. Once it sets, this liner neither smudges, nor does it transfer. That said, I do not have oily eyelids, and therefore your wear may differ if you do.

According to Smashbox,

A waterproof kohl eyeliner that glides on and self-sharpens every time you twist the cap off.
Ditch your sharpener, but stay sharp. Inspired by Smashbox pros who sharpen before every use on set, this first-of-its-kind pencil that has the precision of liquid liner in a fool-proof pencil. The sharpener inside the cap ensures a perfect tip every time. This waterproof product does not flake and can be used on the inner rim.

This product is an Allure Best of Beauty winner.

($20.00 for 0.01 oz. from Smashbox, Sephora, Macy's, Ulta, Nordstrom and Beauty.com)

Smashbox Brow Tech To Go Crayon Gel in Taupe

Smashbox Brow Tech To Go is a double-ended brow pencil and gel combination that boasts a long-wearing waterproof formula. The angled pencil tip facilitates accurate application that is extremely user friendly. The formula is waxy enough to stay put, but creamy enough that it doesn't pull the skin.  On the other end, the brow brush grooms brows, and the clear gel offers medium hold without flaking or looking unnatural. The taupe shade is a neutral taupe brown that surprisingly works on my very dark brows.

According to Smashbox,

A double-ended applicator that has an angled long-wearing waterproof pencil on one side and a soft-hold gel with a brow brush applicator on the other.

Get perfectly polished brows on the go! The iconic BROW TECH is now available in a portable, travel-friendly version. The double-ended component includes an angled, long-wearing waterproof pencil for precise filling and defining and a soft-hold gel with a brow brush applicator to groom brows perfectly into place.

Use the angled pencil to fill in and define brows, then brush the soft hold gel through brows for a complete polished look. Twist pencil up just slightly for the most precise application.

($28.00 from Smashbox, Sephora, Macy's, Ulta, Nordstrom and Beauty.com)

Left to Right: Blush Rush in Radiance,  Be Legendary Cream Lipstick in Red Rage, Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner in Violetta and Brow Tech To Go Crayon Gel in Taupe

Overall Assessment: I am very impressed by all four of these beauties, and definitely want to add more of the Smashbox Blush Rush and Be Legendary Creamy Lipstick shades into my collection. I definitely recommend trying Smashbox!

What are your top picks from Smashbox? 

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate Links).
Copyright © 2016 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Thrive Causemetics Jingle Belle Eyeliner + Brow Liner Set | Review and Swatches

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Looking to give more than a gift this Holiday season? Thrive Causemetics is Beauty with a Purpose: the first and only beauty brand with a one-for-one giving model. For every product purchased, the same item is donated to a woman going through cancer treatment.

For holiday 2015, Thrive Causemetics is offering fully customizable gift sets ranging from stocking stuffers like limited-edition liner duos to essential product sets perfect for the beauty aficionado.  From eyeliners and browliners to their signature Faux Lashes, all products in this line of luxury cosmetics are paraben, sulfate, latex and petrochemical-free, as well as vegan and cruelty-free.

Thrive Causemetics Jingle Belle Eyeliner + Brow Liner Set is a wonderful value set (Costs $38.00 $45.00 value) that is color customizable, it is a wonderful gift choice this holiday season.

This customizable eyeliner + brow liner set is a makeup bag must-have. Gift-ready with limited edition holiday packaging. $45 value.

Thrive Causemetics Infinity Waterproof Eyeliner in Hoda (a Slate Grey Matte) is a highly pigmented twist-up pencil with a convenient built-in sharpener for and "an ergonomically-angled smudge tip for smooth, effortless blending." This waterproof eyeliner glides across the skin smoothly, and neither skips nor tugs the skin in the least bit. It deposits intensely saturated color, and maintains impressive staying power without migrating, smudging or fading.

Thrive's proprietary formula, "contains shea butter, sodium hyaluronate and ceramides for younger-looking lids and conditioned lashes."

Features:

• Paraben-Free
• Sulfate-Free
• Latex-Free
• Cruelty-Free
• Vegan
• Oncologist/Ophthalmologist/Dermatologist Tested + Approved

Tips: 

Naturally Lush Lashes: To create the look of naturally lush lashes, dot eyeliner between upper lashes, working color into the base of lashes. Blend lightly with smudge tip for fuller-looking lashes. This technique is also called tightlining.

Liquid-Like Line with Precision: Freshly sharpen your pencil, then hold eyeliner at a 90-degree angle and slowly apply along upper lash line for ultimate precision. Begin at the inner corner of eyelid and follow the lash line to the outer corner at an angle of the eye for a crisp, clean cat eye.

Smoky Eye: Apply eyeliner at a flat angle along upper and lower lash lines, beginning at the inner corner of eye and working your way out to create a bold, thick line. Blend with smudge tip for smoldering color.

Use as a Shadow: You can use our Infinity Waterproof Eyeliner™as a classic pencil liner or a smudgy eye shadow— apply on eyelid and smudge with a finger or a brush before color sets.

Ingredients: Hoda (Slate Grey Matte): Cyclomethicone, Polybutene, Magnetite, Polyethylene, Mica, Candelilla Cera, Silica Gel, Jojoba Seed Oil, Cera Microcristallina, Titanium Dioxide, Octyldodecanol, Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Iron Oxides, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Ceramide 3, Octyl Palmitate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol.

Thrive Infinity Waterproof Brow Liner is a long-wearing brow pencil that "combines the benefits of a waterproof pencil, wax and powder in one." This is an ultra-fine retractable pencil that allows you to to fill in large or very small areas for very natural looking brows.

According to Thrive,

The ultra­-fine retractable pencil allows for tailor­-made strokes that fill in gaps and mimic brow hair. Buildable Smart Pigments™ adjust to your eyebrow color for a perfect match and beautiful brows every time.

Our proprietary formula contains shea butter, sodium hyaluronate and ceramides to encourage the growth of healthier, fuller­-looking eyebrows.

Features:

• Paraben-­Free
• Sulfate-Free
• Latex-Free
• Cruelty-Free
• Vegan
• Oncologist/Ophthalmologist/Dermatologist Tested + Approved

To Use: Fill in sparse areas and define arches. Use spooley brush to tame, blend and lift.

Ingredients: Infinity Waterproof Brow Liner Audrey (Universal Dark): Diisostearyl Malate, Iron Oxide (77491, 77492, 77499), Triethylhexanoin, C20-40 Acid, Titanium Dioxide, C20-40 Alcohols, Polyethylene, Paraffin Wax, Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Ethylcellulose, Mica, Boron Nitride, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Ceramide 3, Jojoba Seed Oil, Natural Vitamin E, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol.

Select Ingredients & Attributes:

• Jojoba Oil: conditions skin and brows
• Sodium Hyaluronate: hydrates skin and eyebrows
• Ceramide 3: promotes cell turnover for younger looking skin and conditioned brows
• Shea Butter: hydrates and protects skin and brows
• Vitamin C: (L-ascorbic acid) the most stable and effective form of vitamin C serves as a powerful antioxidant

Left to Right: Infinity Waterproof Eyeliner in Hoda and Infinity Waterproof Brow Liner

Overall Assessment: Great products, great cause and a fantastic value gift set that gives back.

$38.00 from Thrive Causemetics (Unaffiliated Links).
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil in Warm Brunette | Review

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THE BROW REVOLUTION

HOURGLASS ARCH BROW SCULPTING PENCIL in Warm Brunette

I am often remiss about using brow products because I have dark brows that need little filling in, but I confess that they look more polished when I do. I generally don't bother because it's an extra step in my routine, and if I take the time to do it I really want an easy to use fuss-free pencil that won't take a lot of time. 

When I first began using my Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil, I was struck by its efficacy, easy of use and longevity. This pencil is neither too soft that it loses its form, nor is it too stiff and waxy that it tugs the skin. It effortlessly fills in brows without looking artificial or too severe. The long-wearing water resistant formula stays put  once it sets, and it lasts all day long without fading or migrating.

It is housed in a chic and sturdy double-ended metal wand with a unique triangular shaped tip on one and a spoolie brush for grooming brows on the other. I love everything about this brow pencil!

According to Hourglass,

A mechanical brow pencil with a unique triangular-shaped tip that combines the benefits of powder, pencil and wax in one product to create naturally defined brows. The triangular tip allows for fine, precise strokes as well as the ability to fill in the brows quickly and easily. The double-ended component also comes with a brush to blend and groom brows into place.

 PRODUCT CLAIMS:

• Buildable formula combines powder, pencil and wax to create the look of naturally fuller, defined brows in one easy step.

• The unique triangular shape allows you to sculpt with broad strokes using the flat edge of the pencil, as well as fill in with

fine lines using the pointed tip.

• Natural-looking shades allow you to customize your desired intensity: Layer and apply with more pressure to go dark and

bold, or use a lighter touch and blend out to soften for a more natural look.

• Sleek double-ended component has a brush to blend and groom brows into place.

• Free of sulfates, phthalates, synthetic dyes, GMOs, Triclosan, and fragrance. No animal testing.

Note the innovative triangular tip that allows you to draw in individual hairs with the fine point, or to create thicker brows effortlessly.

 Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil in Warm Brunette

Ingredients: Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Ozokerite, Mica (Ci 77019), Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Caprylic/ Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Acrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Synthetic Wax, Tocopheryl Acetate, Butylparaben, Bht. May Contain (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499).

Free of sulfates, phthalates, synthetic dyes, GMOs, Triclosan, and fragrance. No animal testing.

About Hourglass,

Hourglass exists at the revolutionary intersection of science, beauty and luxury. The brand is acclaimed for its breakthrough formulations, technological innovations and unwavering commitment to reinvention. Complexion products are infused with the most groundbreaking active ingredients available to create virtually surreal skin. Distinguished by sensorial textures, modern color collections, and sleek custom packaging—Hourglass puts the art in state-of-the-art. 

Overall Assessment: A truly exceptional eyebrow pencil that has made me a believer!

$32.00 USD/ $37 CAD From Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Hourglass Abbot Kinney, Net-A-Porter.com, Nordstrom, Sephora, Space NK and Hourglasscosmetics.com (Affiliate Links).

Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2015 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

HOURGLASS Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil | The Brow Revolution Now in 9 Shades!

Press Release (Affiliate Links)

THE BROW REVOLUTION

HOURGLASS ARCH BROW SCULPTING PENCIL

A MECHANICAL BROW PENCIL WITH A UNIQUE TRIANGULAR-SHAPED TIP THAT COMBINES THE BENEFITS OF POWDER, PENCIL AND WAX IN ONE PRODUCT TO CREATE NATURALLY DEFINED BROWS. THE TRIANGULAR TIP ALLOWS FOR FINE, PRECISE STROKES AS WELL AS THE ABILITY TO FILL IN THE BROWS QUICKLY AND EASILY. THE DOUBLE-ENDED COMPONENT ALSO COMES WITH A BRUSH TO BLEND AND GROOM BROWS INTO PLACE.

SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $32 USD/ $37 CAD

AVAILABLE AT: Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Bluemercury, Hourglass Abbot Kinney, Net-A-Porter.com, Nordstrom, Sephora, Space NK, Violet Grey and Hourglasscosmetics.com

PRODUCT CLAIMS

• Buildable formula combines powder, pencil and wax to create the look of naturally fuller, defined brows in one easy step.

• The unique triangular shape allows you to sculpt with broad strokes using the flat edge of the pencil, as well as fill in with

fine lines using the pointed tip.

• Natural-looking shades allow you to customize your desired intensity: Layer and apply with more pressure to go dark and

bold, or use a lighter touch and blend out to soften for a more natural look.

• Sleek double-ended component has a brush to blend and groom brows into place.

• Free of sulfates, phthalates, synthetic dyes, GMOs, Triclosan, and fragrance. No animal testing.

INGREDIENTS: Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Ozokerite, Mica (Ci 77019), Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Caprylic/ Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Acrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Synthetic Wax, Tocopheryl Acetate, Butylparaben, Bht. May Contain (+/-): Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499).

ABOUT HOURGLASS

LUXURY PERFORMANCE MAKEUP

Hourglass exists at the revolutionary intersection of science, beauty and luxury. The brand is acclaimed for its breakthrough formulations, technological innovations and unwavering commitment to reinvention. Complexion products are infused with the most groundbreaking active ingredients available to create virtually surreal skin. Distinguished by sensorial textures, modern color collections, and sleek custom packaging—Hourglass puts the art in state-of-the-art. For more information, visit hourglasscosmetics.com.