Top 10 Drugstore Makeup Products

Hi Friends!

I posted a video on YouTube on my current favorites from the drugstore! Please click on the link below to check it out :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgNbbP3pDTo

xo Kayla

Spring Makeup Tutorial

Happy Wednesday, loves!

I have another tutorial for you! It is a Spring Makeup Tutorial and I love how it turned out! It has a lot of light pinks and just looks so fresh and bright! Please check it out!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FN9Iq48nd68

xoxo, Kayla

Virtual Domination Cheek Palette by NARS

HI FRIENDS! I AM BACK!!

I know I haven't been posting as much as lately. I was back home in the States and I didn't spend one minute blogging (minus the small update I did in my last post). At first, I felt a little guilty about it and thought that I should have put some effort into my blog, but I realized that the break was good and I am happy I spent every minute that I could with my family and friends. But I am back in France now and am ready to go with several blog ideas as well as getting more YouTube videos up! Stay tuned :)

I wanted to do a post on the NARS Virtual Domination Cheek Palette. I got this for Christmas and I have pretty much known since my first couple of uses that I wanted to do a blog post on it. The reason why I knew I wanted to blog about it: There was SO much buzz about it before the holidays when it was released and everyone was raving about it.... but honestly, I am not as impressed. (SORRY if you love this palette!)

Do I think that this is an absolutely terrible palette? No. I still use it but I am just not as excited for it as I thought I would be after hearing everyone rave about it.

I thought that since this palette is Limited Edition, that NARS was just going to offer for the holidays. But it is still available so I thought that I would give you my thoughts on it in case any of you are considering purchasing it.

Virtual Domination Cheek Palette by NARS

Virtual Domination Cheek Palette by NARS

This palette retails for $65 and you are getting one highlighter, one bronzer and three blushes. The blushes you are getting are: Deep Throat, Sex Fantasy and Final Cut. Each blush is .15oz which is slightly smaller than a normal, full size NARS blush of .16oz. The highlighter: Miss Liberty. Again it is .15oz vs. the normal size of .16oz. And the bronzer is the ever-so-famous Laguna. In this palette, you are actually getting .35oz of Laguna vs the normal .28oz. So the value of this palette is amazing and that is the main reason I purchased it. (One blush/highlighter retails for $30 and Laguna retails for $39) But I wish I would have actually played around with the palette and swatched it before purchasing it from the Sephora website. 

Virtual Domination Cheek Palette by NARS

Highlighter: Miss Liberty - My first issue with the palette is the highlighter. Miss Liberty is just straight up glitter and sparkle. It doesn't even really give off a pretty sheen underneath the sparkle as a pretty base - it basically just looks like you took some glitter and smeared it on your face. I could tell immediately by looking at it in the palette that it was way too sparkly for me. But I decided I would give it a try anyways. And this is how I really know it was bad: My husband made a comment about how glittery it was. He knows NOTHING about makeup and he even noticed how bad it was. That was the first and last time I will wear Miss Liberty.

Blushes: Deep Throat, Sex Fantasy, Final Cut - The blushes for me are just so-so. I could take them or leave them. I don't think they are ugly or anything but I am a blush fanatic and these blushes just do not wow me. These blushes are something that I force myself to wear from time to time rather than being something I am excited about wearing. I think they are pretty but nothing overly gorgeous (I take my blushes very seriously, girls!). Deep Throat is probably the one I like best out of the blushes. It is a pretty corally-pink blush. It reminds me a lot of Orgasm by NARS as it is similar in color and has a shimmer to it as well. Sex Fantasy is a cool toned pinky-lavender. It is matte and I do feel like I have to kind of build up the pigmentation. Final Cut is a peachy-orange and is matte. I like peachy-corally blushes but this might be too much on the orange side for me and have to use a little bit of a lighter hand when applying.

Bronzer: Laguna - The bronzer is what saves this palette for me. This is a very popular bronzer from NARS and I had never tried it before purchasing this palette and I was not let down. I think it is a gorgeous bronzer. It does have a slight shimmer/sheen and I typically prefer matte bronzers, but I actually really don't mind the sheen in Laguna. It doesn't give an overwhelming shimmer off whatsoever when applied. It just gives you the perfect sun-kissed glow. I am happy that Laguna has the most product in this palette as it will definitely be the one that I will use the most.

Swatches in Natural Light

Swatches with camera flash
(You can see the sparkle better in Miss Liberty in this picture)

I think the quality of this palette definitely meets the high quality of any typical NARS product. And I really do love NARS products in general! I think I just would have rather invested my money in buying a bronzer and a blush separately. I think I would have gotten more use out of buying Laguna and then finding a blush that I was absolutely in love with. I know it would be less product than what I am getting in the palette, but at least then I know I would be constantly using the separate bronzer and blush instead of letting the palette sit there without days/weeks of use like I have been. 

I know that a lot of girls really love this palette so if you are considering getting it, you might love it as well! I just wanted to give my honest opinion on it in case you are like me and would rather invest your money in a couple of products that you know you will get more use out of. 

Hope this helps!

XOXO Kayla

2014 Beauty Favorites: Face - Part 2

Hi Beauties!

Hope you are all enjoying the holiday season! I am soaking it up... It will be over before we know it!

This week I am bringing you Part 2 of my Face Favorites (read Part 1 here). Today, I will let you know what my favorite bronzers, highlighters and blushes are! These are all amazing products and you can not go wrong with any of these! 

BRONZER:

I prefer bronzers that are matte. I don't even think I own any bronzers with shimmer or glitter in them. A matte bronzer is going to be the most ideal for contouring and most natural-looking for bronzing up the skin and adding some color.

• Chocolate Soleil by Too Faced - This has been my go-to bronzer for contouring. It is the PERFECT golden bronze color and looks incredible when contouring. I got this little version in a set a while back, and I will most definitely be purchasing a full size when I run out of this one. Even though it gives you a perfect contour, it is so natural looking - nothing too over the top! You will feel like your face looks perfectly defined when using this bronzer for contouring and I think this should be a staple in every beauty lover's makeup collection!

Chocolate Soleil by Too Faced

• Bahama Mama by The Balm - I also like this bronzer for contouring and use it for when I want a REALLY defined look. It has a bit of an orange undertone to it and comes off a deeper bronze than Chocolate Soleil, so I use it when I am wanting that really chisled look. Plus, I just love the packaging of this bronzer. It is so cute!! I love The Balm's packaging on their products! 

Bahama Mama by The Balm

• Sol de Rio by Sephora (Limited Edition) - I wasn't going to include this because it is limited edition and no longer available. But I couldn't leave it out because I use it almost every time I do my makeup! I like to use Bahama Mama and Chocolate Soleil for contouring, but I like Sol de Rio for just bronzing up my skin. It is a very subtle bronzer so I love using it on my neck and chest especially to add just a little bit of color - especially during these winter months when I haven't been out in the sun in ages! It is a HUGE bronzer (almost the size of my hand) and you get so much product. Keep your eyes out to see if Sephora comes out with something like this again for the spring/summer because it was only $22 for such a large, amazing bronzer!

Sol de Rio by Sephora

Bottom: Sol de Rio by Sephora
Middle: Chocolate Soleil by Too Faced
Top: Bahama Mama by The Balm

HIGHLIGHTER: 

Each of these highlighters are so different from one another yet they are all equally beautiful. I think these highlighters would look gorgeous on any skintone!

• Pinktastic by e.l.f. - I love, love, LOVE this highlighter! It looks so beautiful and it is only $3!! I have raved about this highlighter a couple of times before and truly think it is a hidden gem! You must run out to Target to get it! Even though it is labeled as a blush, it definitely is not. And even though it swatches more on the pink side, when you lightly apply it the tops of your cheekbones, it just gives off this beautiful pinky-champagne highlighter. It's amazing girls! PLEASE do yourself a favor and get it in your life :)

Pinktastic by e.l.f.

• Mary- Lou Manizer by The Balm - I adore this highlighter as well. It is a stunning golden-champagne highlight and I am always going back and forth between this one and Pinktastic as my favorite. Mary-Lou Manizer gives more of a "glow" where Pinktastic is more of a "sheen". (If that makes sense!?) Mary-Lou Manzier is always going to be a classic in my eyes!

Mary-Lou Manizer by The Balm

• Champagne by Anastasia Beverly Hills - Even though Pinktastic and Mary-Lou Manizer are my favorites, if I am wanting more of a subtle highlight I always reach for Champagne. I got this highlighter in my Anastasia Beverly Hills Custom Contour Palette (you can read my review on the palette here).  It is a silvery-champagne highlight that is super natural. If you are just getting into highlighters or prefer something very light and subtle, this is a perfect one for you! I use this on days where I am wearing light makeup and just want to add a glowy finish to my look. 

Champagne by Anastasia Beverly Hills

Bottom: Champagne by Anastasia Beverly Hills
Middle: Pinktastic by e.l.f.
Top: Mary-Lou Manizer by The Balm

BLUSH:

Ahhh, blush. I don't even know how I chose only three. I love blush! I could list five.. ten... favorites! But I picked these three because they are the ones I am reaching for the most and am always bringing with me when I travel because I know I will like them with any look on any day! 

• Belissima by Kat Von D - This is my most pigmented blush and blush that lasts the longest. I know when wearing this that is will not wear away whatsoever. It will be just as vibrant as when I put it on after eight hours of wearing it. Not to mention, this color is so gorgeous! I just love corally-peachy blushes and this is the perfect shade! I highly recommend checking out this beautiful blush!

Belissima by Kat Von D

• Melba by MAC - This is the BEST peachy, matte blush ever! It is such a classic blush from MAC and my favorite MAC blush. I think this blush would be perfect for any girl, any skin tone. I always recommend this blush when girls ask which MAC blush they should get! 

Melba by MAC

• Rosy Outlook by MAC - This is another amazing blush from MAC. It is a Pro LongWear blush so it is little bit more expensive than the regular powder blushes. I am always reminded how much I love this blush when I use it. It is such a pretty, light pink that looks SO natural. It gives you that perfect rosy look! If you like pink blushes, you MUST try this one out!

Rosy Outlook by MAC

Bottom: Belissima by Kat Von D
Middle: Melba by MAC
Top: Rosy Outlook by MAC

See you all next week with some more of my 2014 favorites!

xoxo Kayla

Friday Five: 10/31/14

Happy Halloween!! 

And it's Friday! What a great day :) And here are some great products I have been loving this week!:


1. Baked Blush in Pinktastic by e.l.f.
     I raved about this in my last post about how I LOVE using this as a highlighter. I seriously can't put it down. I even bought two backups of it to bring with me to France so that I wouldn't have to worry about running out of it :) This is a little hidden gem and e.l.f. absolutely nailed it with this product! Holy. Grail. Status!!!

Baked Blush in Pinktastic by e.l.f.

Swatch of Pinktastic by e.l.f.

2. Eyelid Primer by e.l.f.
     This is another favorite I have been loving from e.l.f. I like how it has a wand applicator to apply directly to your lids. It makes it so easy and convenient and then you can just blend it out with your fingers. Like I mentioned in my last post, it is a great primer for your eyeshadow! Long wearing, doesn't crease and only $1!!

Eyelid Primer by e.l.f.

3. Luscious Longwear Lip Liner in Naked by Starlooks
     I have been loving this lip liner this week because I have been trying to attempt the ombre/3D/contouring effect with lipstick and lip liner. Kandee Johnson did a video a while back on tips and tricks on how to master this effect and I was like YASSSSS! She makes it looks so incredible and easy! (Watch her video here to see her tips) So since I love a good nude lip, I have been trying this lip liner with different lipsticks to try to master the effect. It is very creamy and applies so easily. It is a true pink color so I have been pairing it with more truly nude colors like MAC's Myth and Creme D'Nude and I have been loving it! I haven't perfected it quite yet, but it's getting there!

Lip Liner in Naked by Starlooks

Swatch of Naked by Starlooks

4. Nourishing Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum by OGX
     I've recently become more aware of trying to treat my hair a little bit better by doing deep conditioning masks and trying to cut down on the heat that I apply to it. But I have always used a serum on my hair. If I don't, my ends become so dry, brittle and frizzy. I have been trying out this anti-breakage serum by OGX for a few weeks now and I have really been loving it. It is infused with coconut milk, coconut oil and whipped egg white proteins and my hair is so hydrated, silky and smooth! Not to mention this stuff smells AMAZING! I absolutely love any coconut scent! I get to feel like I am on a tropical island for a brief moment while applying it to my hair :)

Nourishing Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum by OGX

5. Bronzer in Sol De Rio by Sephora
     This is a limited edition bronzer that Sephora came out with around May. I will try to keep this short since it is no longer available. But I hope Sephora comes out with something like this again because it is HUGE! It is almost the size of my hand! I love that I can easily sweep my brush into it instead of being confined to something so small (like Hoola by Benefit). It is a great matte bronzer that gives you a perfect golden glow. If Sephora does release this bronzer again, or something similar to it, I highly recommend grabbing it before it's gone!

Sol De Rio bronzer by Sephora

Sol De Rio bronzer by Sephora

Sol De Rio bronzer by Sephora
(in comparison to my hand)

I hope you all have a fun Halloween weekend... I can't believe Thanksgiving is just right around the corner! And then Christmas! I love it :)

xoxo Kayla


Find the products I mentioned here:

Pinktastic by e.l.f.

Eyelid Primer by e.l.f.

Lip Pencil in Naked by Starlooks

Nourishing Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum by OGX

(Sol De Rio bronzer unavailable. Limited Edition)

e.l.f. Products

Bonjour Beauties :)

Before I left the States, I decided I wanted to try out some e.l.f. (eyes lips face) products. I always bypass them at the store because I just never thought makeup ranging from $1-$3 would be quality makeup. But I've been seeing the products pop up more and more on beauty blogs and YouTube so I thought "OK I will try e.l.f. out!" The worst that could happen would be I'm out a few bucks and move on.

That being said, I am absolutely BLOWN AWAY by e.l.f.! WOW! They have some amazing products for dirt cheap! I don't think I have ever been so pleasantly surprised by a line of makeup. I grabbed a handful of products before I left and I know I will be having more sent out to me in care packages that our families send (since I don't think e.l.f. is available in France??). That is how much I am loving e.l.f!

This is such a great brand for any girl. It is perfect for younger girls who are on a budget and just getting into makeup, all the way up to girls who are more experienced with makeup. No matter who you are, you really can't beat getting great makeup for so cheap!

I know that every product by e.l.f. is probably not going to be for me (there was one product that I tried and did not like at all ... and I will include it in my next "products that didn't work for me" post) but I think they have some amazing things going for them! Here are the things that I tried out and I am completely impressed by:

First, I am going to start with the product that if I had to recommend to you just one to get out of the bunch, this would be it:

Baked Blush in Pinktastic
     Ok.. I am not sure why this is labeled as a blush because if you wore it as that, you would look like a big shiny mess! But why I love it so much is because it is a GORGEOUS highlight! I'm not kidding when I say this: I might just like it a little more than Mary Lou Manizer by The Balm... and that has been my go-to highlight! In my opinion, this just gives you the most perfect highlight. Not too simple and muted and not too over-the-top shine. It is just a little different than other highlighters I have tried because it has this stunning rose-gold undertone to it. You guys, it is just beautiful! I can't even describe it. Just to Target, spend the $3 to try this out. You will see what I mean and you will love it too!

e.l.f. Baked Blush in Pinktastic

Swatch of e.l.f. Baked Blush in Pinktastic

Matte Lip Color in Nearly Nude and Natural
      I picked up Natural first and loved it so much that I went back and got Nearly Nude. The formula of these Lip Colors really are great. I am so impressed that it is a non-drying matte formula for only $3! Natural is a pinky-nude and Nearly Nude is a true nude color. The colors are so pretty and I like that since it is a stick, you can precisely line and fill your lips. I like wearing them alone or topped off with a gloss - either looks beautiful! I do have to build up the color a bit to get the opactity and color pay-off that I want, but once it gets there, it is gorgeous!

e.l.f. Matte Lip Colors in Nearly Nude (bottom) and Natural (top)

Swatches of e.l.f. Matte Lip Colors
Nearly Nude (bottom)
Natural (top)

Eyelid Primer in Sheer
     This primer is amazing! And it is only $1!! After trying out this primer, I will not be purchasing any more higher end eyeshadow primers for a while. My eyeshadow doesn't crease at all with the primer, it lasts all day and the true color of the shadows show through. When applied, it is a peachy-nude color, but when you blend it out with your fingers over your eyelid it becomes sheer. It is truly an incredible primer and it works just as great as any high end primer. I just can't get over that it is only $1!!

e.l.f. Eyelid Primer

Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder Duo in St. Lucia
     This is the duo that is supposed to be the dupe for NARS Orgasm blush and Laguna bronzer. It even has similar packaging! I don't own the Laguna bronzer but I do own the Orgasm blush. While I would NOT claim that this blush by e.l.f. is a dupe for Orgasm, it is a pretty darn cheap alternative! NARS products are on the pricier side, so if you aren't willing to spend that much, I think you will be happy with spending the $3 for this blush/bronzer duo. I do feel like I have to work at building up the pigmentation of the blush and bronzer as I don't think they have a very good initial color pay-off. But once I work at it a little bit, I think they look great!

e.l.f. Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder Duo in St. Lucia

e.l.f. Contouring Blush and Bronzing Powder Duo in St. Lucia

Swatches of St. Lucia compared to NARS Orgasm
Bottom: Orgasm by NARS
Middle: St. Lucia blush
Top: St. Lucia bronzer

Brushes - Complexion Brush and Powder Brush
     I wanted to try out a couple of brushes from e.l.f along with the actual makeup products, so I grabbed these two. The Complexion Brush is almost in the shape of a fan brush and is very thick and dense. I like to use this for contouring because I think the shape of it works perfect to get the bronzer in the hollows of your cheeks. The Powder Brush is also thick and dense but it is sooo soft! I like to use this brush after applying my bronzer and blush to blend out the harsh lines. It blends amazingly! These brushes are also $3 and I think they are wonderful brushes!

e.l.f. Complexion Brush

e.l.f. Complexion Brush
sorry, she's a little dirty from some bronzer! :o)

e.l.f. Powder Brush

e.l.f. Powder Brush

Now that I am on an e.l.f. kick, what are your favorite e.l.f. products?! I need to know what to get next :)

xoxo Kayla
   
Find the products I mentioned here:

Pinktastic

Nearly Nude

Natural

St. Lucia

Complexion Brush

Powder Brush

Friday Five: 9/26/14

It's Friday which means it is time to share what I have been loving this week!

1. Maybelline Matte Lipstick in Nude Embrace

     There has been a lot of buzz about these new matte lipsticks from Maybelline so of course being the true makeup addict that I am, I had to get one! And of course being the true nude lipstick addict that I am, I had to get Nude Embrace! Although I probably own more nude lipsticks than I really need, I actually do think that this color is different than the other nudes that I own. Nude Embrace has a brown undertone to it, which I typically do not care for. But I love it in this formula! I don't think it comes of too brown on the lips and with it being a little bit of a darker nude, I love it for Fall! It is perfect for a daytime look and I love wearing it alone or with a gloss over it. Sometimes I feel like some matte formulas are too drying on the lips but this is super creamy and doesn't dry out at all. I really want the Wine color from this collection but it's always sold out wherever I go! Hopefully I can get my hands on it :)

Nude Embrace by Maybelline

Nude Embrace by Maybelline

Nude Embrace by Maybelline

2. Shea Butter Lip Balm by Pixi in Honey Nectar

     Another lip product that I have been loving is this lip balm from Pixi. I received it in my Birchbox and was impressed I got a full size product for once in my box! Immediately after trying it out I knew I was going to love it. It is SUPER hydrating on the lips which will be so useful during fall and winter when my lips tend to get dry and chapped. But what I love even more is that it has color to it and it is pigmented! And it's a peachy-nude. Perfect for me! I could wear this lip balm without any lipstick, gloss, etc and I am still going to have a great wash of color on my lips. I definitely see this being a go-to lip product over the next several months when I need something moisturizing for my lips but want something to go with my overall makeup look. (This would even look awesome paired up with Nude Embrace!)

Honey Nectar Shea Butter Lip Balm by Pixi

Honey Nectar Shea Butter Lip Balm by Pixi

Honey Nectar Shea Butter Lip Balm by Pixi
I apologize for you having to see my veiny wrists in all my swatches! ;P

3. Anastasia Beverly Hills Custom Contour Palette

     Of course I have been loving my contour palette otherwise I would have not written about it this week! If you haven't checked out my review, click here to read about how amazing this palette is!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Palette

4. Blush Brush by Real Techniques

     This is my first ever Real Techniques brush! I always intend on trying out Real Techniques, but I just have never gotten around to it. But I am happy I finally DID get around to it and I absolutely love this blush brush! I have not been using it for my blush though, I have been loving it for contouring! I love how it tapers up at the top and it is just the perfect size and shape for contouring! It does an amazing job at dispersing my bronzer and blends it out perfectly. This brush is also incredibly soft! It feels amazing! I am so happy with this brush and I can't wait to try out other brushes from Real Techniques.

Blush Brush by Real Techniques 

5. Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation (in 3W1 Tawny)

     HOLY. MOLY. I am going to try to keep this to a minimum, but if this gets a little long I just can't help myself! I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS FOUNDATION!!! It is hands down the best foundation I have ever tried in my entire life and has already made it as a holy grail product for me. About a month ago, I had talked about how happy I was with the Make Up For Ever HD Foundation. I still think it is a great foundation and will continue to use it. But then I tried out this baby. And this is the love of my life! This gives the most flawless look to my face I have ever seen. It is a full coverage foundation and if I apply it at 8am, at 6pm it is still going to look exactly like it did at 8am. I am not even kidding! It covers any imperfection and this foundation alone gives me so much confidence just knowing how amazing it makes my skin looks. I have mentioned before that I truly believe that having a great foundation is the key to having a beautiful makeup look... and this exceeds all my expectations! Stop at an Estee Lauder counter and ask for a sample of this if you have not tried it out! I think you will agree how incredible it is!

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Have a wonderful weekend, lovelies!

xoxo Kayla

Find all the products I mentioned here:

Nude Embrace by Maybelline

Honey Nectar Shea Butter Lip Balm by Pixi

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Palette

Blush Brush by Real Techniques

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit (Custom Palette)

Hi Beauties!

As I continue to learn more and more about makeup, highlighting and contouring have become a favorite of mine! I have been interested in the Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit since it came out this past spring. Of course it sold out immediately when it was released because everyone had to have it! And with me being in Europe and having no access to it anyways, I kind of put it in the back of my mind by the time I was back in the States for the summer.

About a month ago, I was doing some online makeup shopping trying to decide on what new highlighters and bronzers I should get. I remembered Anastasia Beverly Hills had now released so many more shades to make a custom contour palette, so I decided to look into it!

Honestly, the original contour kit would have worked just fine with my skin tone. I picked several of the same shades that are in the original one for my custom palette, but I wanted to personalize it just a little bit more for myself and what I like.

Anastasia Hills Custom Contour Palette

The custom Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Palette retails for $40 (the original is also $40). You get to choose 6 pans to fill your palette. Anastasia does an AMAZING job at giving a wide selection for light to dark skin. They even have categories to choose from like skin tone and undertone that give you suggestions on what is going to look good on you. It is so helpful!

If you want, you could have all 6 of your choices as bronzers or mix it up however you like! For me, I chose 2 highlighters, 1 setting powder and 3 bronzers.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Custom Contour Palette
(in natural light)

Anastasia Beverly Hills Custom Contour Palette
(with flash)
Top Row: Champagne, Sand, Banana
Bottom Row: Fawn, Java, Clay

Highlighters: Champagne and Sand. They are both so pretty! Champagne is a true champagne color that is shimmery. Sand is more of pinky-beige with a pearl finish. They both give such a beautiful natural highlight. They are not overpowering and sometimes I do feel like I have to build it up just a little bit to get the perfect highlight. That doesn't bother me though that I have to work at the perfect pigmentation I want because they really are so stunning! I think these highlights would look fabulous on anyone.

Setting Powder: Banana. OK... I had to check out the infamous Banana! Everyone just raves about it and how it is the perfect setting powder for under-eye concealer. I was a little on the fence about it because I couldn't quite comprehend how a yellow-based powder is going to look good under my eyes! But I decided I had to see what it was all about! It truly is a great powder to set your under-eye concealer. Even though it is yellow-based, you can not see it whatsoever. It just melts right into your concealer. I don't notice is changing the color or brightening it, but I do believe that it does a great job at setting my concealer and keeping it in place all day long!

Bronzers: Fawn, Java, Clay. These three bronzers are all matte and I believe all of the bronzers they offer are matte as well (but could be wrong!). Fawn is the lightest bronzer of the three and has a little bit of a gray undertone. I think that Java is a great bronzer for light-medium skin tones as it is a true golden brown bronzer and looks like a perfect, everyday bronzer. Clay was the one that intimidated me most when I saw it. Fawn and Java look very close in color to what the website shows, but Clay looks very different than what I saw. It is much more orange looking than what is pictured on the website and I thought it was going to be way too intense on my skin. But after trying it out, I actually really like it. It does not come off as orange at all, just a nice deep brown. I just have to use a light hand and it really gives me a chiseled, defined contour. This would be a great one for light-medium skin tones who are looking for a bronzer to contour a full-on glam look!

Swatches in natural light

Swatches with flash

I think the custom Contour Palette that Anastasia Beverly Hills offers is incredible. Everyone is going to be able to find what they need based on their skintone because there is such a wide variety to choose from... They offer 27 colors! Amazing! I also think that the value is awesome. $40 is a great price for the quality and quantity that you are getting with this palette. The individual pans are retailed at $14 each, but when you get this palette with 6, they are more than half the price off for each pan! If you love to highlight and contour, making a custom palette from Anastasia Beverly Hills is definitely for you! I am in LOVE with it and you will be too :)

Make your own palette HERE!

xoxo Kayla