TAG: Products I Vow to Use During the Month of August: RESULTS

Hey Everyone, 

How is your Wednesday going? Mine hasn't been so good. This afternoon I had a checkup at the dentist's which, unfortunately, turned into two cavities having to be re-filled (the dentist who filled them last time didn't do it properly). Then, early this evening I realized I had been wearing my shirt inside out all day, displaying my shirt size to everyone I came in contact with. Needless to say, it has been one of those days. 

Moving on, as you may remember, last month I started a new tag called 'Products I Vow to Use During the Month Of...". Basically, because I have too much makeup (yes, I said it...doesn't mean I won't buy more), and often forget about a lot of my products, I have vowed to choose eight products at the beginning of each month, use them religiously throughout the month, and finally do a mini review of each product at the end of the month, letting you know what I think of them. 

For those who prefer to read blog posts, I have listed all of the products I used during the month of August, plus a mini review of each, below. For those who would rather watch a video, my sister Krista and I made a video showing our thoughts on the eight products I vowed to use, as well as the eight products my sister vowed to use during the month of August. 

Too Faced The Bronzed and The Beautiful Palette:

When I started using this palette at the beginning of the month, I immediately decided that I didn't like it. While the idea of a multiple bronzer palette is nice, three of the shades are incredibly shimmery, and draw too much attention to the problem areas on my cheeks (large pores, acne scars, etc.). With that said, I have absolutely fallen in love with the one matte bronzer in this palette, Too Faced's 'Chocolate Soleil'. Not only is this bronzer completely matte (not a shimmer or glitter in sight), it has no orange undertones, isn't too dark, and smells amazing (just like chocolate). Luckily, Too Faced Cosmetics sells this bronzer seperately. So, if you are in the market for a new bronzer, YES to Chocolate Soleil, NO to The Bronzed and The Beautiful palette. 

Sleek Makeup 'Oh So Special' Eyeshadow Palette:

If you have yet to try one of Sleek Makeup's eyeshadow palettes, you must. Not only are they super inexpensive, all of the shadows are well pigmented, very soft, and apply like a breeze. Sleek's 'Oh So Special' palette is no exception. With a mix of ten neutral shades and two brighter shades (some are matte, some are shimmery), this palette makes it is easy to create the perfect eye look all year long. 

Mehron Lip Cream in 'Sunburst':

As I mentioned in my first 'Products I Vow to Use Post',  I originally picked up this gorgeous coral-red lip cream, thinking it was a cream blush. After being assured by the Mehron staff that it could be used as both, I decided to try it out. Unfortunately, I don't have great news to report. While the colour itself is stunning, the texture of this product is thin and greasy, making it too slippery for both my cheeks and lips. If you are looking for a pretty coral lip colour you want to re-apply every 30 minutes, this is the product for you. If you'd rather your product have a bit of staying power, this is not for you. 

Bobbi Brown Shimmerbrick in 'Nectar': 

When I started the 'Products I Vow to Use' post at the beginning of last month, I pretty much knew I didn't like this product. While gorgeous in the pan, I found that it was way too shimmery as both a highligther or blush. Surprisingly, I have completely changed my mind!  With a light hand, and a good brush (MAC's 129), this peachy-pink powder looks amazing on its own or when paired with a matte blush. This product gives the cheeks a beautiful glow and works nicely with a variety of eye looks.

Physicians Formula 'Mineral Airbrushed' Pressed Powder: 

Without a doubt, this super soft, full coverage powder was my favourite 'Products I Vow to Use' product. Not only does this powder help conceal my acne scars (it almost takes the place of my concealer), it helps smooth out my skin tone and hide any redness. I have been a long time user of MAC's 'Mineralized Skinfinish Natural' face powder, but would definitely recommend the Physicians Formula powder if you want a similar look for less.

NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in 'Dolly Pink':

If you are looking for an expensive, super moisturizing, non-sticky, hot pink gloss, 'Dolly Pink' is your girl. Not only does this gloss smell amazing (to be honest, I hated the cherry scent when I first purchased it, but can't get enough of it now), it feels amazing on the lips and lasts a long time (mind you 2 hours for me is a long time). My only complaint with this gloss is that it is not widely accessible where I live, so I have to wait until I travel to the US to pick up more colours. 

Guerlain 'G-Noir' Mascara: 

While I really started to like this re-fillable mascara by the end of my 'Products I Vow to Use' month, I would definitely not recommend you pay the outrageous $50 USD price tag (unless you have money burning a hole in your pocket). This mascara did a nice job of making my lashes look longer, but I certainly didn't find it to be any better than my favourite L'Oreal drugstore mascara. Is it nice that it comes in a glossy tube with a little pop out mirror? Yes! But, at that price, I could paint my drugstore mascara tube with a glossy black paint, buy a cute hello kitty mirror and still have money left over. 

Annabelle Smoothie Eyeshadow Pencil in 'Melonade':

Annabelle's Smoothie Eyeshadow Pencils are hands down the best eyeshadow pencils I have ever tried. Not only are they inexpensive, they DO NOT smudge or crease, and last nicely throughout the day. Melonade, a really pretty golden-peach is a gorgeous colour for both summer and fall (spring would work too), and looks great on its own with a swipe of black eyeliner or under similarly coloured gold, brown, etc. eyeshadows. Goodbye NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencils, hello Annabelle Smoothie Eyeshadow Pencils. 

Dolly Pink, Sunburst, Melonade

The Bronzed and The Beautiful Palette (Perfect Sun, Chocolate Soleil, Sun Bunny and Snow Bunny)

If you would like a little more detail on each product, as well as see the eight product my sister vows to use this month, be sure to check out the video below. 

Of course, I tag all of you to do the 'Products I Vow to Use' challenge with me. If you want to take part, leave a link to your post or video in the comment section below, so I can check it out. Also, be sure to check back later this week to see 'The Products I Vowed to Use During the Month of September'

Have you tried any of the products listed above? What are your thoughts about them? Be sure to let me know in the comment section below. 

xx

Alicia