L'oreal Infallible Eyeshadow Review: Amber Rush and Endless Sea

Cream eyeshadows are becoming more and more popular nowadays, and we're finding great drugstore alternatives. The L'oreal Infallible Eyeshadows are a great example of them. Though they run on the more pricey side at the drugstore, they're still more affordable than higher end brands.

If you're interested in the L'oreal Infallible Eyeshadows, continue reading.

Tarte Eyelash Curler Review + New Blog Name

Hi dolls! So yes, something did change. My blog is no longer called "The Makeup and Skincare Spot" and I have changed it to "Makeup by Patricia". Unfortunately, that URL was taken, so I had to add an "m" at the end, which stands for Montenegro (my last name). I hope you don't mind the change. 

Onto the review! Tarte. Tarte... I was at Ulta browsing at eyelash curlers because my four-year old Revlon eyelash curler had few days to live. I was close to purchasing the Japonesque Eyelash Curler, but an Ulta salesman convinced me to get the one by Tarte. 

Do I like it? Not really, unfortunately. There's something unique about this eyelash curler - it isn't like any other traditional eyelash curler. It has a "spring" back handle which you press to curl and it springs back when you release. That's why it comes with the little plastic thingy that holds the handles together. 

Why do I dislike it? It pinches my lids, and it hurts. I have to be very careful when using it. As the saying goes, "Sometimes the more expensive things aren't necessarily better."

Have you tried this eyelash curler? What are your thoughts on it? Do you have a favorite eyelash curler? Share!

The Hair Update

I wrote a lengthy post a few weeks back on how to make your hair grow quicker. Here's a quick hair update with before and after photos. I've been following the same routine I recommended on that post.

HAUL Video!

I got some goodies and wanted to share them with you. Enjoy!

PRODUCTS MENTIONED

- Ojon Rare Blend Oil

- Ojon Rare Blend Deep Conditioner

- This Works Sleep Balm

- This Works Pillow Spray

- Jurlique Herbal Recovery Gel

- L'oreal Infallible Eyeshadow shades "Amber Rush" and "Endless Sea"

- Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm

- Nuxe Reve de Miel Face Cleaning and Make-Up Removing Gel

- GlamGlow Mud Mask

It's Time to Throw Them Away

I decided to really "clean up" today and get rid of the stuff I don't really need, and when you're a beauty junkie, you've got plenty. In the process, I found these products which I had to get rid of. Two mascaras and a gel liner. Mascaras need to be tossed after three months, anyway. They become bacteria central pretty fast (Sorry, all of you OCD readers, but it's true).

So what do I think of these?

The Bourjois Ultra Black Volumizer Mascara was actually pretty good. This two-step mascara does the job without making the lashes feel gritty or heavy. Step #1 claims to define and add volume. I find that it gives the lashes a very subtle, natural finish. Step #2 is optional, and it claims to give "11x more volume and no clumps guaranteed." (Why "11"? Why not 13 or 17?) I don't know, these claims always leave me dubious. As to the "11x" increase in volume, well, I can't say an exact number, but it does add volume. It makes the lashes appear thicker and darker, but not in a WOW way. 

Benefit They Real! Mascara is, in my opinion, over-hyped. It's one of those products you either love or hate. I don't hate it, necessarily, I just thought it performed OK. But man, it's a pain to clean this off the lashes. Bioderma, cleansing oils... try all you want, but it's just a pain. It makes the lashes feel "thick", not in a good way. 

If I had to decide between the two, I'd go for the one by Bourjois.

The next product I threw away was my Mac Blacktrack Fluidline. It was OK, but it's definitely not the blackest black out there, and I found that it dried too quickly.

Have you tried any of these? What are your thoughts? 

PS: Now is a good time to throw away those +3 month-old mascaras. 

Sunday Chat

Hi beautiful ladies! I know I haven't been around lately, and it saddens me because I miss blogging and I wish I had more time. I will be able to get back at it soon since I'm off from school for a month starting this Friday. I've been busy since I'm on my last year of Psychology... I will be starting my internships in September (scary). Also, I'm in a separate school where it's 100% Psychoanalytic Training (which is what I love and will pursue). 

My sister moved to the US on Friday (for college) which has me a bit down as well. The apartment is so quiet now. I miss her!

I ordered a few things online which my dad will bring back from the States hopefully next week, so I will be reviewing for you new bits from This Works, Jurlique, L'oreal and Nuxe. 

I also wanted to take a quick moment and ask you: what would you like to see on my blog? Is there anything specific?

I "filmed" myself earlier today applying my favorite foundation-- the Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer-- but due to terrible lighting, I deleted the videos... I'm not 100% confident in front of the camera, and I take very long doing my makeup (I'm a perfectionist and a bit OCD!) but I would like to you one way or another how I do my makeup. We'll see what I come up with!

I hope you all had a lovely weekend and I wish you a happy Monday!

xoxo,

Pat

Empties #1 (Video)

Hi everyone!

I decided to make my empties into a video this time. Enjoy!

My Birthday Makeup

Hi dolls! My birthday was yesterday (July 13th), and I would like to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who congratulated me on Instagram. I was in shock to see how many of you wrote some kind words. So really, thank you.

This will be a quick post just showing you which makeup products I used. Enjoy!

My Highlighter Collection

Hi gorgeous!

I have a slight obsession with highlighters. I find them so versatile and so beautiful. They can instantly make a dull complexion look revived and glowy (note: there's a pretty big difference between glowy and oily). So today I'm sharing with you my highlighter collection. Enjoy! 

Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil Review

My love for facial oils initiated a couple of years ago when I was introduced to the Clarins Blue Orchid Face Oil. I was extremely hesitant, like most people with combination/oily skin, to add oil to my skin. The idea of it seemed absurd to me, but then again, I was clueless as to how certain oils could actually benefit the skin, and even better, control the production of sebum. 

I'm excited to review the Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil because I have literally used it every single day for the last three months. Which says a lot considering I tend to switch things up for testing reasons. Enjoy. 

How To Make Your Hair Grow Quicker

I've always thought that one of the biggest ironies in life is wanting what we can't have at the moment. And when it comes to hair, this is clearly evident. The times when women with straight hair have come to me and said, "You hair is so beautiful! I wish I had your curls!" have been many, and I always tell them, "How about I give you mine and you give me yours?" Again, we always want what we can't have!

I'm pretty sure that those with long hair who are reading this have found themselves staring at short hair do's, reminiscing the times when your head felt lighter. The freshness of having short hair is very appealing.

On the other hand, there are women with short hair who love the edginess of it, yet suddenly snap out of the short-hair-euphoria and wish that their hair grew ten inches long overnight. While such thing is impossible, there are things you can do to help stimulate hair growth. 

@makeupbypatricia/ Left: May 6th 2013. Right: June 26th, 2013

I posted a picture on Instagram a few weeks back of a before and after picture of my hair, and I had many followers ask what my "secret" was. Being a naturally-curly hair gal, haircare has been a pretty big and experimented area in my life. I hope that this post gives you a few ideas on things you can do to make your hair healthier and fuller, while at the same time, speeding up its growing process. Enjoy.

There's Something About Kevyn Aucoin

I have never felt so strong about a foundation before. Actually, I have never felt so strong about a makeup product in general. Most things come and go. I fall in love with a blusher, and then the feeling subsides as my attention shifts towards another makeup product.

Eyeliner with a POP + Best Matte Lipstick Ever

Today was one of those reminders of why I love eyeliner so much. Liquid, gel-- any kind. Ah! Except the Kohl pencil I had nicely "smudged" all over my bottom lashline... which turned into this hot mess a few hours later (notice picture above). I used the Rimmel London Scandal Eyes one by the way. Not good... 

Chanel Joues Contraste Plum Attraction

Hi beauties!

I want to take a moment and talk about a blush I rarely come across on a beauty blog, yet I love. It's the Chanel Joues Contraste in Plum Attraction.

Summer, Boho-Chic Inspired Makeup Look

Hi everyone! I feel like I've been so neutralish lately makeup-wise, that I wanted to go for something different. Something colorful, happy and... summer-ish. If you're interested in seeing how I created this look, keep reading! 

Current Night Time Skin Routine

Hi dolls! Today's post will be an updated version of my night-time skin routine. I'm constantly testing and rotating products, but these are the ones I've been using for the last three months and I've been loving them. Enjoy!

Wet 'n' Wild The Silent Treatment Review

Hi dolls!

If you're a follower, you already know I love Wet 'n' Wild shadows. I think the quality you get is amazing for the price. These trios are $3! I hope you all enjoy the review!

Colors of the Rainbow Tag

Hi beauties! I was tagged by my friend Anne a while back to show you my "Colors of the Rainbow". I am a little late to the party, but feel free to continue reading if you're interested in seeing what I picked! Enjoy!

Father's Day Makeup (16.06.13)

Hi beauties!

I hope everyone had a great day today. I spent the day with my family for Father's Day. I'll be sharing with you the makeup I used today. Enjoy!

Nars Cordura Review and Swatches

Hi beautiful ladies! 

I feel like I haven't been here in forever! I'm so busy with school as I'm on my last year. But it feels great to be typing away. I missed blogging!

Back in April when I was in the States, I found myself walking by the Nars aisle at Sephora on and off. I had never owned a Nars Eyeshadow Duo before. To be completely honest, I had expected more from them, especially the beautiful, bright colors. I had the luck to have plenty of time to swatch each palette, and Cordura was one of my favorite ones. Hope you enjoy the review!