First Impression: Revlon ColorStay Skinny Liquid Liner

I never thought that I could jump on board to be an electric blue eyeliner kinda gal, but after seeing it on even the most unlikely of people I decided to give this quirky trend a second glance. It seemed harmless and I will now always remember the summer of 2014 ending with a pop of color I thought only Cyndi Lauper circa 1982 could pull off.

I wasn't sure where to start as far as product was concerned and after I had a deep heart to heart with myself, looking into my vanity mirror and saying "you got this". I began my search for a blue eyeliner so perfect that it would make me regret even questioning Cyndi Lauper's judgement- even if it was the 80's. Knowing that it is just a trend I began cringing at spending a ton of money on something that will leave as quick as it came.

So where better a place to start then the drugstore. Low and behold one day while walking the makeup aisles at none other then my neighborhood Walmart I saw it and knew that it would be a great jump off point. Little did I know that I would have to look no further. I'm talking about the Revlon ColorStay Skinny Liquid Liner in Electric Blue. I will admit at first I didn't think it would have any pigment or staying power. I had my doubts to say the least.

I really like the packaging, it's slender and small making it easy to travel with or toss into your bag for touch ups. I also really like the fact that the lid color represents the liner color. It really makes this packaging stand out.

I also really like the extra fine point. It makes getting close to the lash line and into the inner corner of the eye a breeze. No sloppy slip-ups!

As you can see from the picture above the pigmentation is AH-mazing!! It's the perfect pop of blue that is required to take part in this trend. The formula itself is on the runnier side, but if you apply it in sections across the lid it applies beautifully. It dries quickly and didn't irritate my eyes whatsoever.

After wearing the liner for the better part of the day I can honestly say I was quite impressed. It did not fold under the Texas heat and it didn't dry up on the eyelid either. And as you can see it packs a punch in the color department. Wearing this blue liner creates a unique trendy look with minimal makeup required. I really am digging this look right now and I will definitely be picking up the emerald green liquid liner as well. I think the green is a great way to introduce a pop of color into the Fall season.

Check out my video review here!!!

All in all I highly recommend this product. Kudos to you Revlon for giving us all the chance to rock the trendy blue eyes without having to break the piggy banks open.

Have you tried any of these liners? Are you into the blue eyeliner trend?

July Favorites

Click here to watch my July Favorites!!!

Hey there! I can't believe that July has now come and gone :( This summer has flown by for me with all my travels. I hope you all are having an amazing summer and are soaking up some sun and taking the time for R & R.

I put together my favorite beauty products for the month of July and I hope you guys really enjoy this video!!

I want to take a minute to give a shout-out to my other channel and mention that I will be vlogging everyday in August and I am calling it Vlogust- clever I know ha ha! You can subscribe here!! Also I am challenging all of you YouTubers to take part!! Don't forget to drop me a line and let me know if you are going to try this out!! #Vlogust Here we go!!!! My first video goes up this Friday!

I am doing this as a way to let you all into my life a little bit more- to get to know the real me and for me to really force myself to get comfortable with the camera! I am excited and nervous all rolled into one! I am going to keep it as raw as possible! Very different from my beauty channel. It's something new and I hope that you all enjoy! Thanks for the continuing support!!

I also put together a list that would make it easy for you guys to find the products that I mentioned in my video!

Chow for now!!

Anastasia Brow Wiz Review

Every now and then a beauty product comes along that really takes me by surprise. When the Anastasia Brow Wiz pencil hit the beauty scene I didn't jump on the brow bandwagon with my arms flailing in the the air about how brilliant it is. I sat back and watch/read the reviews and thought- what could possibly be the big deal?

After all I had my trusty MAC Omega eyeshadow and dual ended brow brush and I was happy. That was until I finally broke down and bought the darn thing. It has changed my world just like every beauty guru out there said it would. I stand corrected. It was time to pack away the MAC Omega shadow and dual ended brow brush for a product that is not only cleverly packaged, but the product speaks volumes.

So I thought after weeks of brow bliss I would share what I think. First, I will talk packaging, because if you are a subscriber of mine you know how I love me some packaging.

The product is in fact a dual ended product. With the mechanical pencil on one end and the brow brush on the other. I love this, because not only is it convenient, but it keeps everything really sanitary. The other bonus is that it is a mechanical pencil with an ultra fine tip. Say goodbye to pencil sharpeners and hello to easy brows everyday.

The pencil itself is what I find unique. It's soft and goes on as a pencil product should, but offers a more naturally defined brow as a powder would- yet gives the flexibility needed to create more precise shaping. The formula of this product is unlike any other brow pencil I've tried, which I in my opinion made for the wave of brow beauty praises everywhere.

I am in the shade Caramel and this gem can be found in 9 shades in total- which makes it easy to select the right shade for you. Coming in at around $21.00USD you might think it a bit hefty for a brow pencil, but trust me when I say it is worth every cent and has made my life so much easier when filling/shaping my brows. It has almost become effortless.

I highly recommend trying this product if you were on the fence like I was. You will not be disappointed.

PS- Watch for a brow tutorial coming up next week on my beauty channel

How To Achieve Kissable Valentine's Day Lips + $1000 PayPal Cash Giveaway!!!

Achieving the perfect pout on Valentine's Day is a pretty big deal and has never been easier with just these few simple steps.

Kissable Valentine's Day Lips by beautybykendrac featuring beauty products

The week leading up to Valentine's Day is when you want to start your prep work. You'll need 2 products to help achieve a soft lip- which in turn creates the perfect base for kissable lips. The first is a good lip scrub. You can make one at home with some brown sugar and olive oil or my favorite are the Lush's Lip Scrubs. They come in yummy flavors like Bubblegum and work amazingly to keep lips soft. The second product you'll need is a good lip balm. I love my C.O Bigelow Rose Salve. It is a beautiful product and smells like roses. The perfect lip treat for this holiday. Plus you can use it on your cuticles, knees, elbow-pretty much anywhere you are in need of some hydration.

You will want to use this routine morning and night leading up to the big day to ensure the softest lips imaginable.

Kissable Valentine's Day Lips by beautybykendrac featuring a red lipstick

The next step is to select the perfect shade. I feel that this year will be the year of bold Valentine's Day lips. I would opt for a red like the one featured above- NARS Jungle Red. It's bold but not too over the top. First you will want to line your lips. This will prevent any bleeding outside the lines and if you line just slightly about your natural lip line you are going to appear to have a fuller pout. Next, using the lip liner fill in the lips top and bottom. This doesn't have to be perfect, but it will create base for your lipstick helping it to last longer. Now it's time to apply your lipstick, but hang on I have one last little trick.

Kissable Valentine's Day Lips by beautybykendrac featuring Laura Mercier

The last step to kissable Valentine's Day lips is to lock it up. You are sure to be eating, sipping and smooching so you want that lip color to last. You will need a translucent powder- I always opt for a pressed because there is less fall out. You will also need a tissue for this step. Pull the tissue in half so that you just single ply. Place tissue over lipstick and with a powder brush gently pat on the translucent powder. This is going to set the lipstick so that you don't have to reply as often. Then using a concealer and concealer brush draw around the outside lip line and blend in. I love the NARS Radiant Cream concealer. This is not only going to help your lipstick pop, but will reinforce against any bleeding of the lipstick. A good rule to follow is to use a concealer that is a shade lighter then your skin tone to help brighten around the lip area.

That's it!! You now have soft kissable Valentine's Day lips. Don't forget to pack your purse so that you can retouch if needed.

Now time for some big news!! I have teamed up with some amazing beauty/fashion bloggers in another Paypal Cash Giveaway!! It starts today and the winner will be announced on February 14, 2014. This is an international giveaway. Simply complete as many entries as you like using the Rafflecopter and you will have the chance to win $1000!!! Good luck and don't forget to leave a comment or tweet me to say hi!!

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NYC Sun 'n' Bronze Bronzing Powder Review

Even though the days of summer sun have passed us by we still need to be able to keep our 'glow'. One way to do that is adding the step of bronzing into our makeup routine. It's a simple solution that creates that skin kissed effect and it keeps me from looking like the walking dead. Bronzing is a staple in my makeup routine, because I have fair skin year round.

It's no secret that I LOVE my NARS Laguna bronzer, as well as, the more cost efficient option- NYC Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny. Two amazing bronzers at completely opposite ends of the spectrum.

About a month ago I was watching Casey or it'sbl0ndie on YouTube talking about this bronzer and she raved about it saying how she couldn't believe it didn't get more street cred. So curiosity got the better of me and I picked one up in the shade 709 Montauk Bronze [a medium gold]. This gorgeous inexpensive bronzer is the 2012 winner of Seventeen's Best Beauty Awards and you can pick it up at most drugstores for about $4.49 [I picked mine up at Target].

I love this bronzer for the colder months,because my skin seems to be even dryer this time of year and I need products that offer a little pick me up. This product has a slight shimmer to it, but nothing that makes your skin look like a disco ball. It adds more of a slight sheen to the skin and I also love that it is mixed with lighter and darker bronze powders, this allows you a little customization depending on what look you are trying to create.

At first I was a little concerned, because there is nothing worse then a bronzer looking orange on the skin, but this buffs beautifully into the skin and I feel like once it has the chance to oxidize after applied to the skin, it creates such a gorgeous bronze effect. I haven't seen a bronzer oxidize like this before. So if you do decide to try it make sure you generously buff into the skin. Trust me it's worth it!
I will also mention that this bronzer has such a soft buttery texture and is VERY pigmented, so a little goes a long way. While I find the packaging less then desirable, because it is quite flimsy and doesn't have a mirror [I prefer compact type bronzers] I am willing to overlook because of the price and the product itself.

This is definitely one to check out if you are in the market for a new bronzer or even if you aren't-for the price you will simply have to just pick it up and give it a go!

Have you tried a bronzer from this line before?

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Holiday Party Makeup Tutorial Part 1

We are fast approaching that time of year again and I couldn't be more excited!! I am sure you know what time of year I am speaking of- the holiday season of course!!! My favorite time of year.

I woke up today and jumped on Twitter and Pinterest as I do every other morning, but this morning was different. Everywhere I looked there were pictures of Christmas and holiday themes. I originally was going to do a completely different video today and to be honest wasn't going to dive into holiday makeup tutorials until next week, but I couldn't help myself. So I did an off the cuff holiday makeup tutorial for you guys!! I hope you like it!! ❤❤❤

You can check out how to achieve this Holiday Party Makeup Look by visiting my beauty channel. Don't forget to subscribe and give it a thumbs up if you would like more of these videos!!

In the meantime here are some photos of the look from my filming sesh today and the products I used to achieve the look!!

This look is really simple, but sultry. There is alot of depth to this look, but it is completely wearable with a few simple tricks to help soften and add warmth. This look is perfect for a Christmas/Holiday party, New Years or a night out on the town. I only use 4 eyeshadows to create this entire look, but it's the placement of the shadows that creates this unique look. So grab your brushes and get ready to blend blend blend.

Products Used In This Look:

Urban Decay Smoked Palette [Blackout & Kinky]
Naked Palette [Virgin & Buck]
Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencil in Perversion
Maybelline StudioEye Gel Eyeliner in Blackest Black
Relvon False Lashes in 108
Duo Waterproof Clear eyelash adhesive
NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny
Rimmel Blendable Powder Blush in Pink Sorbet
NYX Jumbo Eyepencil in Black Bean
MAC Magenta Lip Liner
Milani Lipstick in 20 Uptown Mauve
MAC Cream Color Base in Pearl

❤Are you starting to think about the holidays?❤

Tweet #BBKCHolidayMakeupTutorials

Fall Must Have: Revlon Colorstay Adventurous Palette

In the spirit of the season I have been on the lookout for some good go-to drugstore palettes. It's no big surprise the main players that line our CVS, Walgreen and Target shelves have really stepped up their games with regards to pigmentation, longevity, and overall formula. Drugstore products aren't what they used to be so when you find a really really great one you want to shout it from the rooftops. Well guess what? I have found one and I'm shouting!!

The Revlon Colorstay palette in 515 Adventurous is be-a-u-ti-ful!! I can't even begin to tell you how much I love love love this little drugstore gem. This is my first Revlon Colorstay palette and I can see myself going back for more of these.

First let me say that this palette will look amazing on any skin tone. It is a quad palette that comes with a frosty golden off white, a golden olive, a shimmering bronze with slight gold shimmer suspended throughout, and a matte medium brown. I have to say I was really excited to see three shimmers paired with such a beautiful matte brown. This gives the palette such versatility as far as creating different looks.

Another point that really impresses me is the packaging. It is really great considering it is from the drugstore. I am BIG on packaging (as I have mentioned in previous posts). It add something extra to the product and there is nothing worse then super flimsy drugstore packaging. It causes all kinds of problems. Ahem....product destruction inside purse or favorite makeup bag. Grrrrr

I swatched the colors with the Urban Decay eyeshadow primer potion underneath, because you would more then likely want to use an eye primer with most eyeshadows, especially those from the drugstore. You can see from the photo above exactly how pigmented these shadows are and what great colors for the Fall/Winter season. I am already planning a tutorial for my beauty channel using this palette so stay tuned!

I really do recommend this one- it is a great neutral palette with rich colors that will create gorgeous looks for this season. [Shop the Revlon Colorstay Adventurous palette below.]

Have you tried this palette? If not, would this be a palette you would use over Fall/Winter?

Revlon Eye Shadow

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My Top 10 Fall Lipsticks

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I have put together a list of lipsticks that I will be reaching for over the Fall months and into the winter months. When it comes to Fall I can't help, but want to reach for the berry, red, and vampy shades. I hope you enjoy this video and please let me know what your favorite Fall lipsticks are!

Please head over to my beauty channel and subscribe for more beauty related videos!!

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Favorite Highlighting Products

Creating even skin tone with a healthy glow is a task that often times takes some trial and error. Finding the right combination of products can take time, but when you do find that perfect combination it is glorious. It takes alot of the work out of an everyday makeup routine, creates an unspoken confidence, and takes ones makeup look to the next level.

Part of the battle is finding a product that effortlessly highlights the face, without looking too overdone or leaving the skin looking greasy. I have three amazing products that I like to rotate to achieve my fresh faced glow and I wanted to share those products with you today!

Girl Meets Pearl is a product that I have been using over the summer months and I can't believe it took me so long to incorporate into my routine. It has the most amazing pearl base with slightly pinkish undertones to help offset dull lifeless skin. The perfect pick me up for any skin tone or skin type. An instant burst of radiance. A bonus feature is that it is in a liquid form which allows this product the flexibility to be used on its own or added directly into a foundation. The sheer, lightweight formula is infused with nourishing ingredients like sesame seed oil, raspberry, chamomile, and sweet almond seed extract. A light reflecting product that helps improve the skin's overall texture.

A product that has changed the way a view highlighting is MAC's Cream Color Base in Pearl- a gift to those who wear makeup. Pearl is a pale gold with a frosty shimmer that can be worn alone or layered over foundations, powders, and worn on its own. This product is beautifully textured and melts into the skin leaving an unbelievable dewy glow. I also love using this cream color base as an all over the lid eyeshadow. I find that this product is best applied warmed up in the fingertips and gently tapped into the skin.

Last, but not least and a long time favorite L'oreal's Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer holds up against the high end brands in terms of highlighting products. This light infusing liquid offers a boost to any skin type and it's lightweight formula makes it easy to build up intensity. For the past few months I have been adding it directly to my foundation to increase the overall luminosity of my skin. If I want to target specific areas with this product I find it is best used to apply with a stippling brush using a tapping motion. Another application for this product is use over freshly moisturized skin for day to day illumination.

Sephora Face Luminizer · Macy's Makeup · L'Oreal Face Primer

What are your favorite highlighting products?

My Top 5 Neutral Eyeshadows

One of my favorite makeup looks is a neutral eye with a bold lip. I was so excited that look was on trend for this summer season. It made me one happy girl. For myself there are always a handful of neutral shadows that I reach for. So...I thought it would be fun to share my Top 5 Neutral Eyeshadows.

Without further ado...here is what I have been reaching for to create my neutral eye makeup looks.

 It's no surprise that a shadow from the Naked palette would make it onto my list of favorites. I think that this palette is a staple in every girl's makeup bag. You can create so many different looks from one source. Brilliant. The reason I chose Buck is because it is the ultimate brown, not too dark not too light. Not overly warm or cool. It looks amazing on it's own or as a compliment shadow to any neutral look. I love using Buck in the crease with a lighter shade on the lid. Classic neutral eye.

I am totally obsessed with this bronze shade from the Revlon Smoky Shadow Stick in Torch. It is gorgeous and I often find my self coloring all over my lid and under eye to create a smokey bronze eye that can be blended out lighter for a wearable daytime look or can be built up for a sultry evening makeup look. I also love this shadow because it has the prettiest reflect when the light hits it. Not to mention it is accessible at the drugstore for an amazing price...did I mention a little goes a long way and it doesn't crease {no primer required} It's an all around steal of a deal! If you don't have this shadow stick I highly recommend it!

I recently dove into my Too Faced Sweet Indulgences palette and discovered so many new and exciting shadows, but one in particular stuck out to me... Teddy Bear. It is a cool brown-taupe color that works wonders as a crease shadow. I have also worn this color alone on the lid and I have to tell you it climbed my favorites pretty quickly. I love to pair this shadow with a pouty pink lip.

This shadow I instantly fell in love with. It has the most beautiful sheen to it and looks amazing applied wet or dry. It is the ultimate summer bronze that can be worn day or night, as a shadow or a liner and has an amazing intensity. This is a must have for any makeup collection any time of the year.

Last, but certainly not least I chose Tough As Taupe. This has been a long time favorite, because I just love the color. It has a certain muddiness to it that makes it the perfect base under another shadow or looks unique worn on its own paired with a black liquid liner. It's a go to shade that you don't have to think too much about and goes great with anything. The perfect neutral shadow.

So that's it for my Top 5 Neutral Eyeshadows. I hope you enjoyed!

What are your favorite neutral eyeshadows?

Urban Decay Makeup Sets · Maybelline Eye Shadow · L'Oreal Eye Shadow

Sephora Contour Eye Pencil: Diving In Malaysia

This past weekend was my birthday and I was out doing some much needed retail therapy and somehow stumbled into Sephora! Imagine that! I wasn't going for anything specific I just wanted to browse around without a plan. Which I must say could have been a dangerous visit, but I held back and picked up 1 item. Plus my bonus birthday gift- thanks Sephora!

I have to admit I have never tried the Sephora Contour Eye Pencils before. Not that I was avoid them I just never thought to have a look at them. Yet on my birthday that is the place I found myself, browsing through the Sephora eye liners.

Now at first glance it is rather exciting. They have a plethora of colors and at $9 a pop you really can't go wrong. I was first drawn to the bright summer colors, but found myself wanting a more practical color and then I saw it.....Diving In Malaysia. I had to have it. The color is so gorgeous and I really don't have an eyeliner color like this.

It is the most beautiful black-green infused with tiny gold flecks! Gorgeous! I also have to rave about the fact that the formula is perfect. Soft, silky and transfers beautiful to the skin without the dreaded tugging. Now I must admit I was a little skeptical about how the formula would hold up, but fear not it lasts and lasts. I wore this out for my birthday night and it held up perfectly against the heat and humidity and I was outside for most of the evening!

All in all I am super impressed with this eyeliner! I will definitely be purchasing more of these. How can you go wrong with a $9 price point and for a product that holds up against the best of them! Kudos to Sephora!

I am going to be creating a look using this eye liner so stay tuned!!!

Have you tried these eye liners? What are your thoughts?

Sephora Eyeliner

My Favorite Summer Lipsticks

Today I was having a super silly day! {As you can tell from my photo above} You know one of those days... I think mine is due to the fact that my birthday is tomorrow and I always get really giddy about it. Like I am 7 or something. I don't know why, but it's been like that my whole life! So in my giddy mood I thought it would be fun to film a video showing you guys what lipsticks I have been wearing this summer!

I can't believe July is coming to an end!! This summer is flying by faster then I would like it to.

So have a look at the swatches photos below and don't forget to check out my video as well! Hit the SUBSCRIBE button for an early birthday present!!

Here are my summer lipstick favorites....

I love this lip combo for the summer...it's bright and bold and looks great with a tan!

This lip combo is the perfect blend of coral and nude!!

A beautiful glossy lipstick that you can grab and go! No need to over think this color!

This is the most amazing bold orange-red I have come across in a long time! Perfect for summer!

This is a unique spin on a barbie pink for the summer! 

These are all of the lipsticks that I am currently wearing and loving for this summer season. Check out the video below for more info and some photos of the lipsticks on! Don't forget to watch in HD for a better viewing experience!!