Secrets of the Drugstore: Gettin' Yo Stuff For Cheap

So, this is my second attempt at a video.  It's quite a bit longer because I had a lot to talk about.  If this is something that you like, then let me know in the comments.  Enjoy!

MAC Strobe Cream- Review

Like many people in winter, my skin tends to get dry and uncomfortable.  I find it hard to find the right sort of moisturizer for my face.  I'm like Goldilocks but with lotions and creams.  This one is too thick, that one is too light.  I need to find that Baby Bear of moisturizers.  Now, I'm pretty familiar with the MAC brand.  I own plenty of their make-up products, but none of their skincare.  I had heard of their Strobe Cream before, and then two of my favorite Beauty Gurus on YouTube both said that they had been using Strobe Cream.  I took this as a sign to go an get a sample.  I will basically use any excuse to get a sample.  (Tangent:  I am a big, BIG supporter of samples.  I always recommend that people get a sample of something before they buy, if possible.  You honestly never know how your skin will react to something.  However, I find it incredibly irritating when salespeople don't want to give you samples.  I had to go to two different MAC counters to get enough of a sample to last one week.  You are an enormous company.  Surely you can spare a wee bit of moisturizer for me to try.  Ugh.  Rant and tangent over.)

So, Strobe Cream looks like this:

Kind of like a fairy sneezed on my hand.

The thing is, it's not really a cream.  The consistency is thin and light, much more like a light weight moisturizer.  So the name is a bit of a misnomer.  It looks really pretty on the skin.

So shiny.

And while I can appreciate luminous skin, I didn't really feel like it made a difference as to moisture.  I wanted to put it on at night and wake up with soft pearly skin.  Ok, maybe pearly is unrealistic, but I don't think that soft skin is asking for too much.  It just didn't work.  My skin was still dry, so I'm going to have to give this a no.  Maybe it would be better in the summer, and if I can get some kind-hearted MAC counter person to give me a teeny bit, I'll give it another go.  Of course, this is my personal experience.  Maybe it will work for you.  If you want to give it a try, then go get a sample.  May the moisture odds be ever in your favor.

 

Lipstick Queen Hello Sailor: Swatch and Review

I was really jazzed about this lipstick when I heard about a few months back on Refinery29.  I thought, "Oooo, blue lipstick?  Fancy."  The rebellious teen in me wanted to check it out, but as life progressed, I forgot about it.  Last month while perusing through Urban Outfitters, I saw it and convinced someone to buy it for my Christmas present.  When I tried it on though, I was a little let down.  It's not a lipstick.  Lipstick Queen claims its a sheer lipstick.  And by sheer, they mean practically clear.  Let's go from the beginning.

I love packaging design.  I'll admit that I am a sucker for packaging, and this packaging is so cute.  Look at it!

 So cute right?

Then there is the tube itself:

Lipsticks from Lipstick Queen all come in these lovely metal tubes with a satin finish.  For me, the whole thing just screamed unique and funky.  But then I tried it.

Can you see it?  Can you see it?  No?  Weird.  Oh, wait a second.  It's almost clear!  This slightly bluish hue that you see on my skin is with several back and forth swipes.  It makes my lips slightly darker than they naturally are.  I would show you a picture but you can't actually see anything.  I just wanted more for the price ($25.00 F.Y.I.)  I wanted a lipstick and this isn't it.  This is a lip balm.  Sure, it's moisturizing but I could have found a "blackberry" tinted lip balm for much cheaper.  Sadsies.  If you have the 25 buckaroos to spend and want a novelty item, then go ahead and spend the money.  But, if you want more bang for your buck, then skip it.  Adorable? Yes.  Would I repurchase (Or get someone to repurchase as a gift)? No.