Makeup By Kim Porter
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Product Swatches

Review: OFRA Cosmetics Pro Palette – An Alternative to Urban Decay’s Naked Palette

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Finally,  I am reviewing the OFRA Cosmetics Pro Palette I purchased from The Makeup Show New York City back in May.  What made me purchase the palette was the fact that it was so similar to the Urban Decay Naked palette everyone has raved over that I didn’t have, except this palette came in z-palette form, except with more colors.  The OFRA Cosmetics Pro Palette has 15 eyeshadows, one of which is matte.   It also  has a bronzer, highlighter and a light rose blusher.  Aside from the additional items, and minus the brush and mirror, this is a great, and affordable dupe for the Naked Palette.

 

 

The OFRA Cosmetics Pro Palette features nude eyeshadow shades, as well as some nice colors like fuchsia, teal and blue that will help you create a array of nude, daytime, evening and bold looks.  Since 13 of the eyeshadows are shimmer (there’s one matte and one glitter),  you must be a fan of shimmery eyeshadows to love this palette.  Honestly, I was never a real fan of shimmer, but, surprisingly this palette has allowed me to create some gorgeous looks.

The bronzer is too light for my dark skin, so I mostly use it for blending out eyeshadow in my crease.  The highlighter is gorgeous! I  love the glow it gives.  I honesty have only used the blush once.  You’d think it would look ashy on my dark skin, however, it actually gives a nice natural-looking pop of color to my cheeks.

 

 

I’ve said the palette is a dupe for the Urban Decay Naked palette, and here’s how.  The OFRA Cosmetics Pro Palette has numerous similar shades to the Urban Decay Naked Palette.  If you look closely, you will see shades similar to Urban Decay’s “Virgin”, “Sin”, “Sidecar”, “Half Baked” “Smug”, “Darkhorse”, “Toasted”, and “Hustle” eyeshadows.  The finish is similar, if not the same as well. The color pay-off is amazing.  The colors are bold, and blend easily.  These eyeshadows are well-pigmented with and without a base, and last throughout the day without a primer.  Needless to say, I was impressed with this palette, which is why I used it religiously.

 

Another aspect of this palette  that I love is it is similarity to the z-palette.  This feature allows you to move around and switch out products in this palette and replace it with other items that you use most.  Also, this palette is lightweight, and makes it easy for me to carry around in my purse.  I totally regret not buying more than one; one for myself and another for my kit.  There’s next time, right?

The only downsides, are the lack of matte and satin finishes, and a darker bronzer or blush for darker skin tones.

 

 Would I recommend?

I would definitely recommend purchasing this palette, especially, if you love neutral, shimmery shades.  It was super affordable, too! I think I paid $10-$12 for it.  Aside from the additional items, and minus the brush and mirror, this is a great, and affordable dupe for the Naked Palette. I don’t care to have mirrors in my palettes anyway.

 Find OFRA Cosmetics online

Web: http://ofracosmetics.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ofracosmetics

Twitter: @OfraCosmetics

 

Disclosure:  The product mentioned in this post was purchased by me with my own money.  I am in no way affiliated with the brand mentioned.  All opinions are my own.  I was not compensated for this post.

Review: Laura Geller Eye Rimz Eyeliner “Blue Voodoo” and “Plum Like it Hot” (Photos & Swatches)

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I Was first introduced to Laura Geller products while watching QVC late nights while I was pregnant.  The first thing that caught my eye were the eye rimz, more specifically, the beautiful “Blue Voodoo” shade.    When I had the opportunity to try the Dusk to Dawn Dazzle Holiday Kit ($35 available at Ulta), I jumped on it. 

 

 


 

This is a look I created with the “Blue Voodoo” eye rimz.  It looks more black than blue in this photo, however, in person the color shows blue. I’m a little disappointed that the color did not appear as the vibrant blue. The color of the eye rimz are intense; however, I did find that you have to use a base to ensure you experience the full intensity of the product.  I experienced very little, if any fall-out.  And, since eye rimz double as an eyeliner, I used the shadow shifter to create a deeper liner on my lower and upper lash lines. The shadow shifter tranforms the eye rimz into a  rich, creamy consistency.

I suggest applying a wet layer of the eye rimz, then applying a dry layer to set it, or do as I did and use a base.

 

 

From swatching both eye rimz on my hand with and without the shadow shifter, I noticed higher intensity of color using the shadow shifter, and the eye rimz did not budge.   The eye rimz were easily removed with soap and water. 

 

L-R: Blue Voodoo Wet & dry; Plum Like it Hot Dry/Wet

 

Would I recommend?
Due to its versatility, I would suggest it. If you are a novice at applying makeup, you will either end up frustrated with the application or love it as you play with it and learn to use it.

Eye Rimz are available on LauraGeller.com, Sephora and QVC. The Dusk to Dawn Dazzle Holiday Kit may be found at Ulta locations.

Disclosure: This product was provided to me by the company or its PR for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review. This is my honest opinion.

Review: IT Cosmetics Vitality Cheek Flush (Pictures & Swatches)

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Ahh last time I brought to you IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer, which I love, love, love! I also love their mascara as well (review to come).  I feel like I am falling more and more in-love with their products! This time, I’m going to introduce you to their Vitality Cheek Flush, which is a blush and stain all-in-one!  It Cosmetics has created an innovative powder blush with all the properties of a liquid cheek stain that you love without the mess or difficult application.

The Vitality Cheek Flush is the perfect powder formulation of a cheek stain, and has the long-lasting durability of a liquid or gel cheek stain.   When I first used this product, I was surprised how long it lasted throughout the day in over 90 degree weather (add some humidity)  in New York City.  Usually, I’d have to re-apply my cheek color because it would fade by the end of the day.  Using the IT Cosmetics Vitality Cheek stain afforded me cheek color that was just as good at the end of the day as it was when I applied it earlier in the day.   I also like that a little goes a long, long way.  Remember that when applying.

 Description:

What is it: This truly innovative formula contains It Cosmetics’ Hydra-Luxe technology, including ingredients such as plum oil, cherry oil, hyaluronic acid, pomegranate, seaweed extract, grape seed, aloe, and jojoba that all work together to treat, hydrate, condition, and nourish your skin. Plus, Vitality Cheek Flush is packed with antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, acai, green tea, and white tea. This made-in-the-USA formula is also paraben-free.

Why is it different: Vitality Cheek Flush takes the place of your powder blush, cheek stain, antioxidant defense, and hydrating skin conditioner all in one innovative technology! The cutting-edge micro-milled, long-wear powder stain is also talc-free, so it never clings to fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, it gives you that glow of a stain!

Me Wearing Radiant in Rose Blush & Luxe Performance Eyeshadow Trio in Pretty Amber

These are the shades I tried, and honestly, I like them all.  The mauve is a nice shade for deeper skintones, but I do think all of them can work well with any skintone.

  • Pretty in Peony –  Peachy coral, with a hint of rose 
  • Magical in Mauve – Deep berry
  • Radiant in Rose –  Deep berry rose

 

Would I recommend?

Although it is a little pricey, we’re talking about $35.00/.0136 oz –  I would definitely recommend the IT Cosmetics Vitality Cheek Flush.  The product is highly pigmented, long-wearing, and easy to blend.  You are sure to get your monies worth.

This product, along with other IT Cosmetics may be purchased at QVC.com

 

 

Have you tried any IT Cosmetics Products? Which are your  favorites?

Event Recap: OCC Makeup ‘The Garden’ S/S 2012 Collection

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Friday, March 30th I attended Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (OCC) press preview of the new ‘The Garden’ S/S 2012 Collection.  I first introduced you to the collection here, and I was excited for the collection just from the pictures alone.  It was more exciting seeing the collection in-person, swatching and trying on the different colors.

 

 

The Garden collection was inspired by current trends seen on the runway, but with a twist.  This collection has something for everyone, whether you’re into bold colors, or subtle nudes.  My personal favorites are “Pennyroyal” lip tar, which is my perfect nude & “Belladona” lip tar, which will be my “Katricia” replacement for now.  Chlorophyll is gorgeous as well, especially when topped with Rx lip tar – it makes the most beautiful algea green.  From the pigments, ‘Mimosa” and “Triptcyh” are my faves.   From the nail lacquers, which by the way  have the greatest staying power, and opacity is Chlorophyll.

 

 

The names do not sound like the typical items you would want to have in your garden, however, that was the whole purpose of David Klasfeld, creator of Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, developing this line.  David explained the names of the lip tars and loose pigments all tell a story; “We wanted to explore the other side of the garden and for us that was poisonous flowers.  Belladonna is a lavish purple color flower that is extremely poisonous and Kava Kava is a Hawaiian root that has a psychedelic effect.”

 

 

 

David & an OCC makeup artist, who created the look on the ad, as well as the one on the model at the event spoke about the products used, the reason he created the products, and the versatility of them.

 

 

The model below is showing the versatility of the products.  The shades in the line can easily be worn for everyday looks, as seen below.   She is wearing OCC’s Moisture Tint ( I just purchased, and love it), Chlorophyll on the lower lash line, Datura on the lid, & Ophelia lip tar on the lips.

 

 

I ended up purchasing the Moisture Tint (Y5) and the Pennyroyal liptar.  Below is  apicture of me from the day of the event, after I applied Pennyroyal.