Coastal Scents 88 Color Eyeshadow Palette
Purchased @ CoastalScents.com ($18.95)

Claims: Highly pigmented shades, all shadows can also be applied wet for a deeper longer lasting effect. The compact case makes it easy for storing and traveling. The colors do not have a ton of shimmer in them if this is what you are looking for, you can always dust shimmer over top as I did in the above photo. It is nearly a 50 50 mix of matte and satin with slight shimmer. The case has a matte surface and measures 9″ x 6.5″ (23 cm x 16.5 cm) closed, The pots are Dime Size around and contain plenty of powder for many excessive uses.

Includes:

• 88 Eyeshadows
• Mirror
• 2 Tip Foam Application

Contains: Talc, Mica, Mineral Oil, Kaolin, Titanium Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Lanolin, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, BHT. May contain: Mica and titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, Ultramarine Blue, Manganese Violet, Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide, Chrome Oxide Greens, Chrome Hydroxide Green, FD&C Red No.40 AlLake, FD&C Yellow No.5 Al Lake, FD&C blue No.1 Al Lake.

My Rating: My Rating: ?????
(Loved it – Will purchase time & time again).

Pros:

• Great color payoff; very pigmented.
• Tons of colors!
• Cheap!
• Very minimal shimmer, matte & satin mixture.

Cons:

• High shipping costs.
• Large case, to flimsy for my taste.
• Fall out.

My Opinion: For the price, Coastal Scents offers a lot. I use this on a daily basis but honestly i should of gotten the 88 Warm Palette instead since i don’t use much “color”. But regardless, at least i have every color offered. It’s well worth the money but shipping was high, the only downfall to this purchase.

The colors offers a really nice mixture of a matte and satin finish. They’re highly pigmented but does have some fall-out when applying. I normally pat this on before i start sweeping to prevent excess fall out. This is another one of my HG items. If you haven’t already picked yourself up one of these, i highly recommend it.

I would rather purchase this than buy individual MAC colors since i don’t wear colors much. It’s great for artistry use and also if you follow YouTube Guru’s, a lot of them use this palette in their tutorials.

Kirkland Signature Borghese 15pc. Brush Kit (2009). Purchased @ Costco ($20.00)

Claims: Our premium professional cosmetic brushes are made with anti-microbial and synthetic, cruelty-free bristles. They are perfect for the application of fine mineral powders, liquid foundations, and gels. The high-quality bristles are treated with an anti-microbial formula that helps prevent harmful bacteria that can easily gather on brushes. It promotes glowing healthy, protected skin. Includes:

• Powder Brush
• Flat-Top Bronzer Brush
• Angled Foundation Brush
• Eyeshadow Brush
• Eye Blending Brush
• Flat Eyeliner Brush
• Eye Smudger
• Angled Brow Brush
• Brow Spoolie
• Premium Eyelash Curler
• 4 Premium Travel-Sized Brushes (Powder, Blending, Eyeshadow, Eyeliner)
• Designer Brush Case
• Designer Travel Size Brush Case
• Eyelash Curler w/ 1 Refill

My Rating: My Rating: ?????
(Loved it – Will purchase time & time again).

Pros:

• Super super super soft.
• No shedding! Even after washing!
• Duo Fiber Brush Style.
• Soft super grip handles.
• Anti-microbial formulated bristles.
• Synthetic – Animal Cruelty Free!
• Cheap but great quality!
• Cute diamond patch cases and small to bring with you.

Cons:

• Dirties easily!

My Opinion: Now i’ve always been a Costco shopper since i can even remember, but never really ventured into their cosmetics. I remember when they first came out and my mom bought me a lotion from them that was “okay” so i basically steered clear of their line. After going to Costco to pick up some Diapers & Wipes, i stopped by to the cosmetic aisle to check our their Strivectin and this caught my eye. $20.00 is a STEAL for a complete brush set. The look of these brushes also look pretty expensive so i told myself why not try it. Now i know Costco offers these brushes and comes out with a new set every year, but this is my first year purchasing it. What can i say? I absolutely freaking love love love these brushes! They don’t shed, they didn’t even smell when i first opened it. They’re so so so soft and dense and are perfect. I know i will be purchasing all of their brushes each year they come out with it from now on. The only negative i could find is that they dirty easily because of the white bristles. But it helps encourage you to keep your brushes clean – so i guess you can see this in a negative and positive light. I highly recommend all of you new and experienced makeup users to pick up a set. It’s well worth the $20.00 and honestly i don’t believe you would have any regret.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
Purchased @ Nordstroms ($36.00)

Claims: Create a perfect canvas for foundation application with this silky, lightweight blend of vitamins A & E, grape seed extract and green tea. Worn alone or under foundation to increase its longevity, our best-selling primer helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores for flawless skin with a velvety-smooth finish. In a new square airless pump for freshness to the last drop. Winner of Best of Sephora Award for Best Primer, one of Marie Claire’s “25 Products That Will Change Your Life”, & an InStyle Best Beauty Buy.

Contains: Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Propylene Glycol, Water, Grape Seed Extract, Kolanut Seed Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract

How To Use: Apply 1 pump to clean or moisturized skin, using fingertips, for complexion perfection. Follow with your favorite foundation or to tame frizzies, try smoothing primer through wet or dry hair.

My Rating: ?????
(Liked it alot – May purchase again).

Pros:

• Very lightweight.
• Smooth & dries fast! No waiting for it to set.
• Not only a foundation primer, but a hair tamer as well.
• A lot of product and you don’t need much at all!
• Fills in all lines, wrinkles, and acne scars.
• Cute bottle – Very simple & clean.
• Oil-Free.

• Pricey.

My Opinion: I’ve been an avid MAC Prep & Prime user and never ventured outside of what works for me, but i can say that i absolutely love and adore this product. Not only does it do what it claims, it’s not heavy like MAC’s P&P and has no glitter or shimmer to it either.

They suggest to use 1 pump but honestly i think that’s TO much. I use only half a pump and it covers my face completely. It works really well to fill in lines, wrinkles, and even acne crater scares. So much better than what MAC’s P&P was doing for me. As you can see it’s virtually invisible & no oily sheen, glitter, nothing! Just a smooth canvas.

Comes in a variety of tints – i went with the original and do not regretting this purchase at all. I first started off with a tester and loved it so much that instead of repurchasing my MAC’s P&P i ventured to splurge an additional $11 to get this one. Well worth every penny though. The only downsize i see that it’s pricey and wish i would be roughly the same price as MAC’s P&P but that’s just wishful thinking.

I highly recommend foundation users to use this. It works really well under Mineral Powder Foundations as well. Saves you some money in your pocket instead of having to go purchase an additional primer for just your mineral side.