Beauty Blender Blender Cleanser Solid REVIEW

Cleaning brushes has always been a hassle for me. No matter how well I thought I had washed my brushes, the bristles would still be stained and felt slightly stiff. That was until I purchased the Beauty Blender cleanser in solid. 

Can I just say how in love I am with this cleanser? I had initially purchased it to go along with my Beauty Blender, but later realized that it could be used with brushes as well. What a life saver this has been! 

Immediately after purchasing this I went home and washed my brushes. If only you had been with me that day. I legit went up to all my sisters and told them how magical the cleanser was. It literally took away the stains from one of my favorite brushes AND it took only a few strokes. 

Okay, I'm getting ahead of myself. Let me slow down. First things first I'm the realest. Okay let's get serious, here are the deets. 

Price: $15.95

Stores: Sephora, Beauty Blender website

Description: 

This cleanser removes excess residue and germs for clean makeup application. It supports the integrity of the blender as it provides the same cleansing results and soothing lavender fragrance as the liquid blender cleanser. 

Before using this, I had been alternating between baby shampoo and the olive and dish detergent method. But after a while, I grew tired of that routine and began searching for real brush cleansers. I had heard great reviews about the cleanser and on one of my stops to Sephora, picked it up. Once I had gotten home I realized I had picked up the solid instead of the liquid, but I thought "oh well, might as well give it a try". And thank goodness I did, because as I mentioned above, this product is MAGIC in a jar, or tube, or whatever. 

I even asked my sister to give me one of her clean foundation brushes to show her how cool the cleanser was. First I opened the container (with the soap already inside) and then placed it under running water. I wet the brush and rubbed it onto the soap for a few seconds. Then I began rubbing the brush in circular motions on the palm of my hand. After a few seconds I placed the brush under running water again and squeezed. Boy oh boy, watching that foundation color go down the drain made me all giddy. Beforehand, my sisters brush was slightly stained from foundation, and afterwards, it was as good as new. Did I also mention that not only does the cleanser clean well, but it also makes the brushes feel soft again. I had a few brushes that were beginning to feel rough but the cleanser brought them to live again!

Oh and the lavender smell is a plus!

I HIGHLY, HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend this product. The price is a bit steep for a cleanser, but so worth it. Give it a try, you will not be disappointed. 

Disclaimer: Honesty is my highest priority, and this review is no exception. 

-Nayelley

Urban Decay Optical Blurring Brush REVIEW

Eye and face brushes are one of the most important tools for perfecting makeup, which is no wonder why companies are always releasing new ones. 

Of course, one can apply makeup without the use of brushes, but let's face it, some of us don't like having our hands full of foundation or eyeshadow. 

Now, being a makeup addict, I am always on the hunt for the perfect brush -perfect foundation brush, perfect contour brush, etc.

For today's review, I will talking about Urban Decay's Optical Blurring Brush.

Before getting started with the review itself, here are a few quick facts about the brush.

Price: $25

Sold at: Urban Decay's website, Sephora, Ulta

Description (according to their website):

Flawlessly applies, buffs and blurs your liquid, cream or powder foundation. And like all our brushes, it’s totally vegan! We created this brush specifically for our Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup, but it works beautifully with ANY liquid, cream or powder foundation – it’s THAT good!

The densely packed hairs pick up and distribute makeup evenly, while its domed top and round shape make it effortless to maneuver around the face. The "optical blurring" comes in in when you apply, buff and "blur" your makeup to a totally flawless finish. (Ahhh.) 

The Naked Skin connection:
Buffing and blurring with our Optical Blurring Brush allows Naked Skin perform the way it was meant to perform – light-reflecting particles are evenly distributed, fine lines seemingly disappear, and you’re left with a stunning soft-focus finish.

As much as I LOVE Urban Decay, I have mixed reviews about this brush. 

When I first purchased it, I INSTANTLY fell in love with it. The brush lives up to it's name and flawlessly blends the makeup. One of the reasons I purchased it was because the prices was fairly reasonable (compared to other brands such as MAC, Sephora, etc) and because it could be used with the foundation, which I also love. The Optical Blurring Brush itself is sleek because of the metal handle and it made me love it even more.

One thing that had really stood out about this brush was how soft the bristles were. Previously, I had been using a different brush and I could notice a change in how my foundation applied and looked when I started using this one. 

It doesn't take long for a person to learn how to use this brush, just apply the foundation on the brush, or face, and blend in circular motions. I even got my sister hooked on this brush and she too noticed a difference in how her foundation went on.

However, one of the problematic things about this brush was the cleaning.

Whenever I would wash the brush (I used to use baby shampoo, which I no longer use), no matter how many times I cleaned it, the bristles would STILL be stained. It irritated me and went online to find ways to remove staining. I found an at home brush cleaner that I could create with just olive oil and dish detergent. Surprisingly, that method worked, but only slightly. Still it was better than nothing. By this time I had had the brush for about a year or so, when I began noticing that everytime I washed my brush, it would shed like crazy. The bristles were literally coming apart and I had to gently push the bristles back onto the handle. Sadly, I stopped using the brush for that sole reason and no longer reach for it. I do sometimes use it whenever my Beauty Blender (HG) is dirty, but other than that, it just collects dust. It's unfortunate because that brush used to be a favorite; it blended out the foundation nicely, but I couldn't live with the shedding. 

Now, would I recommend this brush? That's a tough question. Maybe the shedding was partly my fault. Maybe I washed it too often? Or maybe not as often? I'm not sure. The brush itself IS great and does the job, but the shedding just tainted my image of it overall. Perhaps I got a fluke and that's why the brush began to shed so badly. So far my sister's brush has been wonderful to her and loves it.

If you're interested in the brush, go for it. As I mentioned, it blends the makeup really good AND it's a good price compared to other brands. If you do experience shedding, say after a few weeks or so, return it. I purchased mine at Sephora and they have a really good return policy. For me though, I guess I will continue to use the brush again until it completley deteriorates and I might just consider repurchasing it in the future. If I do, I will keep you updated. 

Look at my poor brush and the crazy shedding!

-Nayelley

Disclaimer: Honesty is one of my HIGHEST priorities, and this review is no exception. 

How I Conduct Reviews

Reviews on products are easily found all over the internet and aid as a tool to help consumers make a decision on buying a product.

As part of my beauty blog, I plan on posting reviews of products and would like to describe how I do so.

1. First and foremost, ALL products, regardless if they were purchased by me, gifted or given to me from a company, will be reviewed with complete honesty.

2. Reviews on products, unless they are first impressions, will be reviewed after a specific testing period.
Skin Care: will be reviewed after a minimum three (3) week period.
Beauty: will be reviewed after a minimum four (4) day period.
Nails: will be reviewed after a minimum seven (7) day period.
Hair: will be reviewed after a minimum nine (9) day period.
*Testing periods are set in place to ensure that products are tested and given the best review possible.

3. Product reviews will include a disclaimer.

4. Reviews will include prices, company website, shades (if applicable), where the product can be purchased, and description.
*Product descriptions, when applicable, are copied from the company website and are noted as "according to their website".


I hope you have found this post helpful in knowing how reviews are conducted and that honesty is among the highest priorities.

While I do intend to use this criteria for reviews, some of these will be subject to change.

-Nayelley

Let's stay connected!

As a New Year's resolution, I will attempt to post more on my blog and other social media. Here are a few way's to stay connected with me!

E-MAIL:

Sign up for my newsletter and receive updates sent directly to your e-mail each time I upload a new post!

INSTAGRAM:

Follow my beauty account on Instagram, where I plan on posting makeup looks.

@makeupbynayelley

BLOG:

Follow me on Blogspot to read reviews and in depth descriptions of my makeup looks from Instagram!

2014 Beauty Favorites

Happy New Year!

I apologize for the long break I took--I did not intend for it to be as long as it was. No more promises, but I will attempt to post as often as I can.

2014 came and went, and so did the products that I used. Some of them were flops, while other's earned HG (holy grail) status. Here are some of my top 5 beauty products for 2014.

1. Too Faced Chocolate Bar
When I first purchased the palette, it was being hyped all over YouTube, so I had decided to see what all the fuss was about. To be honest, I didn't have high expectations, but boy was I wrong. This palette replaced my HG Naked (Original) palette, and that is saying something! I love the variety of colors, and how they can be intertwined to make different looks. Pigmentation is AMAZING and all colors seem to compliment one another and the palette smelling like chocolate was definitely a plus! Not only did this become a favorite, but also a HG.

2. Beauty Blender
This product is something I thought I never needed. YouTuber's would rave about it and how they claimed it worked better than a sponge. Before purchasing, I had been using Urban Decay's Optical Blurring Brush, which blended out the foundation nicely (unfortunately, that brush is no longer a favorite for reasons that will be explained in a different post). I saw no point in wasting $20 on a SPONGE that would probably not work. Once again, I was proven wrong. Since purchasing the Beauty Blender, I rarely reach for any brushes because I believe they don't blend the foundation as beautifully as this. It is a MUST HAVE in my beauty bag. Only downside is that since it is a sponge, it has to be washed after every use and be replaced every 3 months. Reason it is a downside is because I am a college student, and I barely have enough time in the mornings as it is, so it makes it hard for me to wash my sponge everyday. I usually wash it every week.

3. Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation
I can not stress enough how amazing this foundation is. It's lightweight and looks so flawless in person AND in photos. Sometimes I get caught up in the hype and try out other foundations, but I always come back to this. Review coming soon. 

4. Urban Decay Eye Brushes (Naked 1 and Naked 3)
If you haven't noticed by now, Urban Decay is one of my favorite makeup brands. It was the first "high end" makeup brand that I had purchased when I was 15 and I continue to support them! I have two brushes that received when I purchased the Naked and Naked 3 palette. They are by far my FAVORITE and I favor them instead of my other eye brushes. HIGHLY recommend!

5. SoHo Pro Crease Brush
Can I just say how much I LOVE this brush? It applies just the right amount of eyeshadow onto the crease and it blends out nicely. I use it to apply the transition color, as well as a darker colors for a smokey effect. Purchased it for $3 at Walgreens, best brush deal!

Thanks for reading my post, I know it was a small list, but these were some of the products that I tended to use the most in 2014 and that I will continue to use as well.

-Nayelley

Physicians Formula Super CC + Color Corrector + Care CC + Cream SPF 30 Review

DESCRIPTION (according to their website):
-Color correcting pigments + anti-aging
-Visibly corrects: age spots, dark circles, blemishes, dullness, uneven skin tone, redness, dark shadows, discoloration, fine lines, wrinkles, signs of fatigue
-Replaces anti-aging treatment, moisturizer, foundation and SPF

CLAIMS (according to their website):
-Hypoallergenic
-Oil free
-Paraben Free
-Gluten free
-Fragrance Free
-Non-comedogenic
-Dermatologist approved

SHADES (according to their website):
-Light
-Light medium

PRICE (according to their website):
$14.95

SOLD AT:
-Ulta
-Sephora
-Physicians Formula website

At first glance, what caught my attention about this CC cream, was the packaging, which shows three circles with pink, yellow and green colors. Many may be familiar with what these colors mean, but for those who don't, they are used as color correctors for the skin, hence the name CC cream.

Each color serves a specific purpose; pink makes the skin appear brighter, yellow tones down purple and the green counteracts redness.

It's like a dream in a bottle, or in this case, a tube!

After using this CC cream for a little over a week, I believe I have enough insight on the product to do a review.

What I also like about the packaging mentioned earlier is that its travel friendly. It comes in a tube and is easy to store in a makeup bag or purse for touch ups.

Now, with complete honestly, I have to admit that this CC cream is nothing special to rave about.

I HIGHLY recommend using a primer, such as the Maybelline Baby Skin, underneath the product. Without it, any pores, fine lines or wrinkles will be accentuated.

Though it does say that the CC cream can have medium or so coverage, I find that the more I build it up, the cakier my face looks. That's a big NO NO. Even the camera picked it up.

Coverage wise, it did little to hide my dark circles and when the CC cream did cover any redness or imperfections, it wore off during the day.

One of the biggest downsides about this product was that the color oxidized and didn't match the rest of my body.

There was a slight smell, nothing too obnoxious, but bearable.

Overall, I wouldn't repurchase this CC cream, but would be interested in trying it out from different brands for comparison.


xoxoxoxo,
Nayelley

Weekly Beauty Stats: New Series!

Hey lovelies, happy Saturday!
Beginning today, I have decided to introduce a NEW series titled Weekly Beauty Stats, which is the equivalent to weekly or monthly favorites.

For this weeks Beauty Stats, I gathered up 5 of my favorite items at the moment, in no particular order.
                                                          

Too Faced Chocolate Bar

I recently purchased the Chocolate Bar a little over a week ago and I am seriously OBSESSED. Love at first sight. It's been my go to palette and the smell of chocolate is a PLUS. Review coming soon!

Buy it here!

Bath & Body Works "Mad About You"

About a month or so ago, I was in need of a new mist and lotion to apply after showering, so I purchased this when I stopped by Bath and Body Works. I wish computers had the ability to transport smells, because the mist and lotion smell AMAZING. I bought the minis to test out and I am going back for the full size bottles. 

Buy it here!

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

I usually shower in the mornings, to start my day fresh and clean, and my cleanser always leaves my face feeling "tight". Before I apply my makeup, I put on this moisturizer and it really makes a difference! Leaves my face feeling so soft.

Buy it here!

Freeman Feeling Beautiful Cucumber Facial Peel-Off Mask

Who remembers putting glue on your hands and peeling it off once it dried? Was I the only one? Well this is sort of like it, but for your face. It is so cool peeling the mask once it has dried. AND it's super affordable!

Buy it here!

NYC New York Color Mosaic Face Powder

I have never owned an item that was mosaic, so I bought this when I had a $1.50 off coupon. So far I am LOVING this. It is SUPER pigmented and get a lot of product.

Buy it here!

Maybelline Baby Skin

I've had this product for a few months and it makes your face look flawless and it DOES reduce the appearance of pores. HIGHLY recommend this!

Buy it here!

Stay tuned for next weeks Beauty Stats!

xoxoxoxo,

Nayelley