EccoBella Enlightenment Collection Review

The Enlightenment Collection is a compilation of yin and yang, shadow and light. Complementary forces that play over and over again in color and application, with pure, elegant simplicity. I was very excited to try this compact and I loved that it was eye shadow and blush in one case I knew that would make it very easy to travel with.

The Collection consists of a trio of stunning powders, a lipstick and a gloss. It's retail price is $90.70 but for you we've made it $65.95. A savings of $24.75.

I was very sad to see my blush arrived shattered so that is why there is only a portion of it in the picture. It was all over but no worries, I used it any way. I was very skeptical about using yellow and blue together because although I've seen clothing with that combination, it seemed odd for eyeshadow.

I was extremely worried about the blue being navy/royal blue and thought it would be super dark and over shadow the gold/yellow. I was very surprised when I started playing with the shadow duo. The first look I tried was the yellow as a lid color and the blue as the crease color. Neither were heavily pigmented so they were not dark or overbearing. Then I tried the blue as the lid and the yellow as the crease. Both were very pretty looks.

When my husband got home (he despises blue shadow) I asked him how he liked my eyeshadow. He said I think it would be a nice evening look! I was blown away that he liked it. I actually was blown away that I liked it. I never wear blue shadows. I like the different colors but normally can't pull many of the brighter ones off.

The powders include:

Purity - a clean sheer blush / highlighter.
Celestial - a heavenly eye shadow
Mystic - our wet / dry powder which can be used wet as a liner and dry as a shader.

Each product is made up of a Flower wax enriched formula to prevent moisture from migrating from the skin, helping colors to glide on smooth and stay true throughout the day. Compact comes with it’s own sponge applicator. Gluten-free. Vegan. Paraben free, talc free.

blush

shadows

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Proderma Anti-Aging Breathable Foundation Review + Giveaway

I love trying new foundations because my needs change with seasons so I may have 5 different colors, brands, types. I was very excited to try Proderma Anti-Aging Breathable Foundation for ya'll. I was very scared when I saw the color of this foundation that would be way too light for me. But it blended perfectly with my skin. It is not extremely thick but it takes very little to cover my entire face. When I say very little I mean a few dots all over and brush on then done.

Despite needing very little this foundation provided a great amount of coverage. I went over concealer and contouring with one application and there was no peak through. I have used other foundations where I had to go over to make sure they were covered.

Extremely lightweight to wear it can be used for every season including a hot, humid South Louisiana summer. My face feels extremely moisturized while using and it provides all day flawless coverage. In addition to flawless coverage, Proderma breathable foundation provides anti-aging benefits with proven antioxidants and potent triple vitamins. They fight off free radials and protect skin from toxins. The formula also increases blood circulation, elastin, and collagen helping with a more youthful appearance

It is so gentle you can use it immediately following cosmetic procedures or to cover bruising, scars and redness. Plus it is non-irritating to Acne, Rosacea and sensitive skin.

So with all the added benefits i feel great about wearing this foundation everyday.  Then I know it can help if I need it to cover up scars or eczema patches when I flare up. There is a variety of shades to match every skin tone.

So now is your chance to win a bottle of Proderm Breathable Foundation so here are the rules:

Entries will be accepted from 10/20/14 - 11/4/14 at midnight

Good luck remember one winner will be randomly chosen through the RaffleCopter. You MUST be following me on Twitter or GFC or like alwaysblabbing on FaceBook to be eligible to win. This giveaway is open World Wide only will have 24 hours to contact me with their mailing information. alwaysblabbing is not responsible for shipping prize.

Don't forget to come back once a day and share for extra entries.

Click here if the RaffleCopter widget doesn't load

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Mia Mariu Cosmetics giveaway

Welcome to Reveal Your Glamorous Look with Mia Mariu Cosmetics Giveaway!

Sponsored By: Mía Mariú

Hosted By: Desafío In The City

It's time to start thinking about the holidays! this giveaway from Mía Mariú Cosmetics could take care of some present. The Mía Mariú philosophy makes the connection with Beauty and Health in Harmony. Mía Mariú’s high performance products are formulated with the most natural ingredients available helping you achieve vibrant beauty and health inside and out.  Wow what an amazing giveaway. This is one that I would love to win.



Mía Mariú offers natural skin care, professional makeup artist quality mineral cosmetics and brushes to Reveal Your Unique Shade of Beauty.



Win a selection of makeup from Mía Mariú. One LUCKY Winner will receive.

• 1 Hydrating Stick Gloss
• 1 Mineral Blush
• 2 Loose Mineral Shadow Liners
• 1 Perfecting Finish Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara
• 1 Intense Eyeliner and some sample products. All of the products in your own color choices!

This is approximately a $60 retail value!



Check out their catalog HERE



To win just enter the Giveaway Tool below. If you have won a Mía Mariú giveaway anytime from another blog in the last 12 months, you are not eligible to win this giveaway. The giveaway will run from October 15 through October 30, 2014 at 12AM EST and is open to US residents, ages 18 and older. Entries will be verified. Winners will be notified via email (consider adding desafiointhecity (at) gmail (dot) com to your safe list) – winner will have 48 hours to respond and claim prize or another winner will be selected.



Check out Letty's review on Mía Mariú Cosmetics: Mia Mariu Review

Entry-Form

Disclosure: alwaysblabbing was not compensated for this post. Desafío In The City is not responsible for fulfillment of this prize. Fulfillment of the prize is the responsibility of Mía Mariú and will be shipped by Mía Mariú. This giveaway and post are not affiliated, endorsed, or sponsored by Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or any other social media platforms. If you have any questions, or would like to see your product featured on Desafío In The City, in your next product review or giveaway, please contact Leticia Chen at desafiointhecity (at) gmail (dot) com.

Art on It cosmetics

Y'all know I love new makeup. When I saw ArtonIt the first thing I thought was how very unique. The cases are beautiful with the Art On It haha but it makes sense right?

But not only are the cases pretty the makeup inside is beautiful as well. The color I received is Harlow and it's a pretty peach/copper color as you can see it is a nice neutral color. It is semi-shimmery but not too shimmery for a daytime look.  

I used a brush and it went on very smooth with no fall out. It wore beautifully throughout the day without fading or creasing. It never looked greasy or oily and it was long lasting.  The color can be worn alone or paired with others to create the look you want. 

applied with a brush

applied with an applicator

Art On It Cosmetics has lots of different shadow colors to choose from and they have other makeup as well. Their quads and trios are not unique in the colors but package is extremely unique in design  The packaging is a carnival type drawing and the colors of the shadows are fun and flirty colors. 

Whether you a person that is looking for makeup to wear on a daily basis or if you are looking to expand your collection to different color Art On It has something for everyone. 

Keep up with all the ArtOnIt scoop on Facebook  and Twitter 

I received the above mentioned product complimentary in exchange for an honest uncompensated review but the opinion expressed is all mine. Rest assured I only recommend products I feel are good for my readers. 

Gleam Makeup by Melanie Mills

Every time I get to try an new make up I get excited. I love discovering makeup that I never would have used if it was not for doing reviews. Recently I was chosen to review Gleam by Melanie Mills for y'all. I never heard of them but when I looked at the website I was intrigued by all of the makeup. I was chosen to review the Body Radiance, Radiance Dust, and Lip Radiance. So I will tell you a little bit about all of them.

The Body Radiance is a cream that can be used on face or body and it does so much. It is a wrinkle filler and skin tightener that makes skin look like velvet perfection. It creates an instant tan that last all night but it also perfectly compliments a spray tan to enhance,  even out skin, and add depth and extend the life of the tan.

It can also be used to highlight, create a subtle glow, enhance natural skin tones or tans. Plus it diminishes flaws like varicose veins, small stretch marks and discolorations. There is a shade for every skin tone and every skin tone can wear all shades. You can choose sheer coverage with a healthy glow finish or a deepened skin tone and create a natural sun kissed glow. Available in three sizes so you can work it into any budget as well.

Body Radiance is what stood out most when I looked at the site. I always have a tan during the summer and often I have 2 or more shades of foundation to accommodate my color variations. But during the winter I turn white as sheet. Now there is nothing wrong with being white during the winter but come the first few days of summer I'm embarrassed to wear shorts because of my overly white legs.

I am not one for tanning beds or spray tans so That is where this product would be wonderful.  Just rub a little Body Radiance on my legs and wham natural looking tan. Nobody needs to know the difference. The color I got is Bronzed Gold and I tried it on my arm first. It looked extremely natural on my arms and went on smooth.  It looked like I had a beautiful tan and my arms looked flawless. In fact you didn't even notice my dark hair. I asked my husband what he thought of it on my arm and he said "I don't see anything"  But when I put it on my face this color was way too dark. My husband said I looked like I had been in a tanning bed or spray booth too long.

I also think I may have put to much on my face. It is a very think cream so a little goes a long way. It easily applies and dries in seconds. It is very hard to remove without makeup remover so it does not rub off onto your clothes (or anyone else's for that matter)  You can also have fun and mix two shades together to create your own magical glow. Application hint treat it like paint and squirt some in on a plate or other surface instead of your skin. That way you can control the amount you apply.

The next thing I tried was the Radiance Dust in Bronzed Gold which is a powder. Which I loved because it is a shimmer powder. There is nothing like a little shimmer to make a women feel sexy. I remember when I was younger wearing glitter to the clubs. I LOVED my glitter and never went out without it. This is a way to give my self a little sparkle without actual glitter.

As you probably guessed Radiance Dust is a loose powder that can be used on your face or body with or without Body Radiance. But what you probably didn't guess is it is versatile enough to use as an eyeshadow, blush, or bronzer as well.  So on those winter days when I'm too light for this to be my face powder, I don't have to retire it until next summer.

It is hydrating and great for your body in high humidity areas when you don't want to wear a lotion. Hello I live in south Louisiana. We're pretty humid out here, I can feel my lotion melting off some days. Just as with the Body Radiance the Radiance Dust signature Gleam shades are blended to work with all skin tones.

Wearing With my Heels on 

The last thing I have to tell you about it the Lip Radiance. When I chose the color I wanted I chose With my Heels On which is a dark fuchsia. Honestly I was not expecting it to be so dark so when I pulled it out I was a little scared. It looked almost red. But when I put it on I thought it was beautiful.  But I do love the name because when you have heels on you feel super confident. Most women feel more confident with lip color and I am no different. This color pops so it is a great color for a night time look with or without heels.

It goes on super smooth with absolutely no stickiness and wears for a long time that way. It never got tacky on me nor did I see those little caked up balls like I have with some lipgloss. It is super long lasting and did not come off on my straw or fork when I ate or drank.

I am very pleased with Gleam by Melanie Mills I think everything is great and will be useful to me. They have lots of other make up so go check them out.

If you would like to show Gleam so love go like them on
FaceBook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram  

I received these products complimentary in exchange for an honest uncompensated review but the opinion expressed is all mine. Rest assured I only recommend products I feel are good for my readers. 

Eddie Funkhouser cosmetics review and Giveaway

I have a good time reviewing any type of product but makeup is one of my favorite things to review. There is just something exciting about getting new makeup and trying a new look.  I have an amazing new brand that I discovered to tell ya'll about.  Eddie Funkhouser is a revolutionary color cosmetics line created by professional makeup artist and creative visionary, Eddie Funkhouser. With its refined, minimalist packaging, and world-class, studio grade formulas (created predominantly in Italy) The Eddie Funkhouser range has the look and performance of prestige cosmetics delivered to customers everywhere at an unprecedented value  

When I pulled the box out of the package I thought it was cute with the signature. When I opened the box is was amazed at how generous Eddie Funkhouser was with the products provided for me to review. There is a section on the website with looks for 2014 and I liked a lot of them but I LOVED Sassy. I was just so pretty and I couldn't stop admiring it. To my surprise they provided me most of the products need to recreate this look. 

I will start with the HyperReal Eye Color Palette in Bedroom Eyes. This quad is gorgeous, the colors are a semi shimmer but still matte enough to wear in an every day look. It is nicely pigmented and goes on very smooth. When you run your brush over the shadow you get just enough to apply with very little fall out. It doesn't crease, settle, or fade through the day.  It sells for only $14.99! 

I received an Ultra Intensity Cheek Color in Plum Crazy it is pretty pink shade and the texture feel amazing smooth when applying. It goes on giving such a beautiful glow you could almost  pull it off as natural if you only use a little. The shimmer is perfect and it feels like silk when applied. Sells for $8.99 

The Haze Graffiti Liquid eyeliner is a beautiful glittery purple. It goes on smooth with no skips. You do need to dip it back in the bottle to have enough for the entire eye. It has a bold shimmery look that is perfect for a night out. Quick tip let it dry for a few seconds before opening your eyes. It is long lasting and doesn't smudge and it made my blue eyes pop!  Sells for $9.99 

The Quadro Variable Lash mascara is in a big tube but it's not bulky. The wand is big but can still be used on bottom lashes without making a mess. I have never used a mascara like this, there is a dial on the wand. It provides four different looks or combine them all for amazing dramatic lashes. The mascara has this intense black color which we all know makes a great mascara. It is not a messy mascara or tacky and does not smudge or flake. Removal is clean and it comes off easily.  I always use an eyelash curler before applying mascara.  Sells for $12.99 

I also received a Hyperreal Eye color in Lavender Sky which of course is a pretty shade of lavender. I used this color as an under eye highlighter because it is a soft shimmery color. It is pressed but is easy to get on the brush with very little fall out so there is no messy flakes everywhere.  Sells for $8.49 

The Hyperreal Hydrating lipgloss I received is called Publicity Stunt a grape graze and it is a shade of purple. I was a little afraid of this lipgloss but I wore purple lipstick for the longest time. I seems that colored lipsticks are making there way back to be a trend once again.  The lipstick goes on very smooth and silky with no gooey, sticky feeling. It is also very long lasting. The color is pretty but it is very dark for me unless blotted. Once blotted it is very pretty. 

Guess what!?! Eddie Funkhouser Cosmetics is giving you a chance to win their featured look, Belle De Jour! It's very similar to the look I shared with you so I know it's amazing! So that means a giveaway! But first I have to go over some rules: 

Entries will be accepted from 08/18/14- 09/01/14

Good luck remember one winner will be randomly chosen through the RaffleCopter. You MUST be following alwaysblabbing on Twitter or GFC or like alwaysblabbing on FaceBook to be eligible to win. You must also be following Eddie Funkhouser on Twitter or Like Eddie Funkhouser's FaceBook page to be eligible to win. This giveaway is open to US and Canada residence only Winners will have 48 hours to contact me with their mailing information. alwaysblabbing is not responsible for shipping prize.

Don't forget to come back once a day and share for extra entries.

Click here if the RaffleCopter widget doesn't load.

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 The look includes all the following: 

• Hyperreal EyeColor Pallette  - Bedroom Eyes 
• Hyperreal Pure Pigment - Dollicious 
• Ultra Definition Eye Lining Stylus 
• Graffiti Creme Eye Pencil
• Quatro Variable Lash Mascara - Absolute Black 
• Ultra Intesity Cheek Color - Peep Show 
• Hyperreal Hydrating Lip Gloss - Belle De Jour 

I received these products complimentary in exchange for an honest uncompensated review but the opinion expressed is all mine. Rest assured I only recommend products that are good for my readers. 

Keshima Makeup brushes review and giveaway

Something I always wonder is are makeup brushes a splurge item or save item? I see lots of brushes that sell for more than I would like to pay but then the right tools make a big difference. So when I was able to review Keshima Brushes for you I was super excited. I have seen other reviews but never had a chance to use them myself. 

I received The Must - Have Set which includes an angled blush brush, eyeliner brush, powder brush, eyeshadow brush, and blending brush. The right tools to get the best results from your makeup. All of these brushes are in an extremely sturdy, stylish leather type case. It snaps close and there is no chance of it accidentally opening  and spilling. There is plenty of room for other brushes in it as well.  It is attractive enough to leave out on my vanity but would be very easy to grab and go when I travel. 

The brushes are made out of the highest quality best suite materials. Each brush undergoes a 7 step process to prevent shedding. The handles are very well made, I have used brushes and had the head fall off because it was not secure. 

So why are these the top 5 Must have brushes? 

The Angled Blush Brush applies with precision for a sculpted look but contours and highlights effortlessly. The bristles are soft and only gives enough to glide over my face. It is also perfect to apply blush to just the apples of your cheeks. I wish I had 2 of these one for contouring with my Bronzer and one for blush 

With the eyeliner brush gel eyeliner glides on with ease. The tip is the perfect size to give a precise line that is the perfect width.  The material and shape makes the brush hug the lash line. It is extremely easy to apply liner in one stroke with no skips or blotches. I need to mention gel is my favorite type of liner but please don't let that undermine how fantastic this brush is. 

A blending brush is my favorite it finishes off the look of my shadow. This blending brush's bristles are perfect to help blend without removing any shadow. It's also just wide enough for me to have complete control over where I am blending and easily sweeps over my eyelid. 

I have always preferred loose powder even when I use pressed powder, I brush it on  so I need a good powder brush. This powder brush is big enough to comfortably sweep my entire face but still compact enough to use under my eyes. With sturdy but flexible bristles it effortlessly grabs loose powder while loosing very little powder in transition from the container to my face. 

The shadow brush is an average size eye shadow brush with a roundish tip. It can be the only shadow brush you use. It easily transforms from applying all over and lid shadow to crease by simply turning the brush. Works equally well with pressed and loose shadows. 

The next two are stippling brushes which I have never used before. I read a lot of reviews that say a stippling brush is to make you foundation look like it is airbrushed on. I used the Stippling brush in the next two pictures for my foundation. I was amazed at how smoothly it applied. There were no streaks and no brush marks. Just perfectly applied foundation.  I have always used a brush to apply my foundation and this is the best brush I have used so far. It was a flawless application. 

This Flat Top Kabuki Stippling is super dense with a flat head perfect for blending and buffing. Use this brush to achieve the perfect look every time. This brush is super soft and made of the same fantastic quality a as the other brushes. This brush can be used for foundation or concealer application  as well. It gently blends concealer and is the perfect shape to get under the eyes with no irritation. 

These brushes are the best brushes I have ever used. The do a professional job although I am far from a professional makeup artist. I mentioned before that these are a great quality. I have also notice no shedding while using any of these brushes. 

So after using these brushes I believe you should splurge on a good set of brushes. Getting professional results at home is worth it. I would replenish these brushes once the wear out, but I think that will be a long time from now.   From now through the end of July use code AMBERKSH at check out for a discount on your purchase! 

It's GIVEAWAY time **** and there will be three prizes AMAZING!! 1st prize is the Must Have Set, Stippling Brush, and Flat Top Kabuki that's all of these amazing brushes!! 2nd and 3rd prize winners will get a Flat Top Kabuki brush. So three amazing prizes!! But first I have to go over the rules so here they are:  

Entries will be accepted from  6/20/14 - 7/5/14

Good luck remember THREE winners will be randomly chosen through the RaffleCopter. You MUST be following me on Twitter or GFC or like alwaysblabbing on FaceBook to be eligible to win. This giveaway is open to US and Canada residence only Winners will have 48 hours to contact me with their mailing information. alwaysblabbing is not responsible for shipping prize.

Don't forget to come back once a day and share for extra entries.

Click here if the RaffleCopter widget doesn't load.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received these products complimentary in exchange for an honest uncompensated review but the opinion expressed is all mine. I only recommend products that I feel are good for my readers.