Can You Handle This Madness? e.l.f. Liquid Eyeshadow in Mocha Madness

e.l.f. Liquid Eyeshadow in Mocha Madness

Alas on this fine Monday Morning I shall tell you a disappointing tale of cosmetics: how sometimes you just don't get what you're looking for. So far you've seen how in love I am with brushes and tools by this budget-friendly brand that, in general, has done nothing but wow me; even if I don't like one thing, another seems vastly more valuable than the skinny-minny price tag. This Liquid Eyeshadow is not one of those things.

I originally purchased this with the intent of making an e.l.f. version of Chanel's Holiday Collection for 2010, and in that collection was a dark brown, fluid eyeshadow called Splash, which immediately made me think of a mermaid movie *wink* and purchasing this little Mocha Madness ($1) from eyeslipsface.

e.l.f. Liquid Eyeshadow in Mocha Madness

For starters, as you'll see in the topmost picture, the tube wasn't exactly full of product and is utterly tiny. My first thought on that was "at least I'm not planning on using that much," but then I tried to pull out the doefoot and dried chunks came out of the tube. It wasn't all dry (making me think this isn't the standard way the product appears or is sent out), so I tested it out.

e.l.f. Eyelid Primer and High Definition Powder

e.l.f. HD Powder on the left and Eyelid Primer on the right

Studio High Definition Powder $6
I have to admit that I delayed the purchase of this powder because its one of the most expensive things on elf.com. Then it occurred to me that I buy $54 foundation, $29 eyeshadows, and $32 lipstick, sometimes--so later that week I received my $50 shipment of about 30+ products. That's why I have enough stuff to do e.l.f. Week, ya see, because oh man do I get to play around with colors!

e.l.f. High Definition Powder

      Now--the HD Powder is fantastically fine-milled finishing powder that feels ultra silky to the touch The puff this comes with does work, but I don't really use it because I am not going to wash it; I prefer the Studio Powder Brush. There seems to be a lot of product in here, and to get the matte finish you don't need much.

e.l.f. Tools I Might Never Live Without Again

Clockwise from top right: e.l.f. Shine Eraser Oil-Blotting Sheets, Blending Wedges,  Toe Separators, Mechanical Eyelash Curler, New Nail Block, and Cuticle Pushers

Mechanical Eyelash Curler $1
Beauty Newb Rating:✪✪✪✩✩
I don't curl my lashes often and don't, really don't, like for things to get that close to my eye, but these have never pinched me and I've gotten some fairly good results. My lashes are long and rather plentiful, and most mascaras I own curl them just fine; however, using the curler for special occasions has paid off for a little more eye-impact. Especially if you use curlers often or want a back up set or even want to try them out, worth it!

e.l.f. Mechanical Eyelash Curler

e.l.f. Brushes- Essentials, Studio, and Mineral

Left to right: e.l.f. Professional Brow Comb & Brush, Lip Defining, Bronzing, Eye Liner, Smudge Eye Sponge, Eye Shadow, Defining Eye, Blending Eye, and Eye Crease Brushes

e.l.f. (Essentials) Professional Brushes:

Left to right: e.l.f. Professional Brow Comb & Brush, Lip Defining Brush, and Bronzing Brush

Brow Comb & Brush $1
Beauty Newb Rating:✪✪✪✩✩
Standard, but for one buck worth it, easily washable and durable in transport. I've had no teeth fall off or bristle fraying. This will last me far longer than $1 usually goes in value!
Lip Defining Brush $1
Beauty Newb Rating:✪✪✩✩✩
This one is not the best lip brush I've found, though I like that I feel comfortable using it and/or buying a bunch to use in cycle for combining colors or if doing someone else's look. Still worth it and easy to wash. Bristles stay stiff after washing but do fray periodically, have thus had some shedding.
Bronzing Brush $1
Beauty Newb Rating:✪✩✩✩✩
Pretty sure I've only ever used this as a blush brush, and when none of my others are clean, this gets the job done. I would only recommend using this with sheerer blushes/bronzers because it's not the best at perfect blending. More pigmentation would be more difficult to blend. The bristles are rougher than I'd like, not physically scratchy, but not luxurious to touch. Still works in a pickle though.

Face of the Day 2.4.2011

Don't forget about e.l.f. Week: February 6th - 12th 

only on Beauty and the Newb!!!

Wearing the following:

Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation

MAC Soft Ochre Paint Pot

Dior Brow Styler

e.l.f. Cream Eyeliner in Coffee

e.l.f. Hypershine Gloss

e.l.f. Line & Define Pencil

Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in Rosewood

Kirkland Signature by Borghese Finishing Powder

e.l.f. Contouring Blush & Bronzer Powder

Sorry the photo is so blown out, today is my get laundry and dishes done day, so no official reviews. Maybe one tonight, but mostly prepping for e.l.f Week and getting a few out tomorrow!

CHANEL Gets Another Chance with Le Vernis Rouge Noir

Rouge Noir in direct sunlight

Ok guys, I'm not gonna sugar coat this: Chanel has not wowed me yet. However, this does not mean I'm not still looking forward to trying many more products (granted there is a good return policy in place) and finding a few key pieces that I adore.

Which brings me to my current polish... Before all the holiday bustle, since we are on the subject, I took the opportunity to buy a nail polish trio containing Gold Lamé, Coromandel, and Rouge Noir. I had been lusting after Gold Lamé for a few months by that time, so I jumped at the chance to own it. Alas, the Gold was a disaster, Coromandel was an unexpected win  of a bright red, but Rouge Noir was the real prize from the purchase. At $23 a pop for a Le Vernis, it better be a smash hit, and at least this one is!

I Give You...Sir Sparks-A-Lot!!!

Sparky is modeling with Chanel Rouge Allure in Libertine

Sparky is not for sale because he is mine and I will never let him go, much to his dismay.

My review on four shades of Chanel Rouge Allure Lipstick (Libertine, Emotion, Remarkable, and Passion) will, with any luck, be posted tomorrow!

Happy Thursday!