Product Review: Milani Conceal + Perfect 2 in 1 Foundation + Concealer

New Milani Conceal and Perfect..is it really the best foundation?

Hello Bitty Luvs! I am back on my blog to do a product review on Milani's new foundation.  Granted, it was released about a month or so ago..and I'm just now writing about it since I just tried it out myself.   This is one of their first liquid foundations.  From my own recollection, they usually had compact foundations..powdered or wet to dry type of compact foundation.


The Conceal+Perfect retails for about $9.99 and like most drug store products, you can find them at your local CVS, Rite Aid, or even Walgreens.  You can also purchase it directly from the MilaniCosmetics.com website or Amazon.com.  I found mine at my local Kroger grocery store.  I must admit, I went to my local Walgreens here in Atlanta, as well as a few CVS's and they were not yet carrying the liquid foundation.  I was about to give up and order it online until I went to my grocery store...who figured right? LOL

Product Claims

This foundation claims to

• Combat under-eye circles
• Redness
• Imperfections
• Give full coverage
• Water resistant
• Concealer

Truly an all in one! And...since it claims to be water resistant, it has definitely arrived in time for the summer...with all the heat and humidity...and if you wanted to go swimming...you will continue to remain looking fabulous right?


The foundation comes in about 14 shades to match any skin color...honestly, the store where I purchase it from only had about 5 of the shades..not all 14.  If you're store has one with all the shades, kudos to them.  If not, you may just need to order online and wait for it to be delivered versus the instant gratification of having it in hand when purchasing it at your local store.

Directions for Use:

*Bitty Tip*  Prior to using, make sure you have a clean palette.  Make sure you use a moisturizer. I usually put on my day time moisturizer with SPF 15, let it dry or soak into your skin.  Then I follow up with a primer.  Once the primer is dry and soaked up, that's when I start applying my foundation.   I also use a setting powder to set my foundation once I've completed applying it to my face.


As a foundation Apply a dime-sized amount of product with your fingertips or a brush beginning at the center of the face and blend outward.

As a concealer
Use a small amount of product and apply where additional coverage is needed in a tapping motion until blended.


(It's really your personal preference whether if you want to use your fingertips, brush, or even beauty blender.)

My Thoughts..is it really the best foundation?

Ok,  I think it's a pretty damn good foundation thus far.  I wouldn't say it's the "best" foundation as there are many that I like...however, I would say that it is the best drug store foundation that I've found. And I've tried numerous ones.  I did find that it was creamy and thick, similar to Lancôme's 24 hour wear and comfort foundation if you've ever tried that.  It does give full coverage for sure. A little goes a long way and it does blend very well and has a pleasant smell.  I did find that it lasted a good long time, I had mine for about 6-8 hours, and at the end of the day, it still looked good.  Keep in mind, I did use a primer and used a setting powder after I applied the foundation.  It covered up any redness I had, and I had one small pimple at my temple, and it covered that up real well. 


I would say, for $9.99 a bottle, it is definitely worth it, and you don't have to use so much since a little foundation goes a long way.  I used my fingers to apply the little that I did have, and it was a little too much, so I switched and used a beauty blender to finish applying it evenly.  The foundation does give nice finish. I personally used Milani's mattefying face primer and my makeup looked flawless! Giiirrrrrlllllll yaaaasssss!


At the end of the day, you can't really go wrong with this foundation. It's inexpensive.  It does what it claimed it would do, and it looks great..not to mention, they have a rainbow of shades to choose from so finding your color shouldn't be too difficult.  I hope this helps you in making your decision in trying out the foundation. I would say it's my favorite one...even beating out my high-end foundations that I have..and I do have a few on my vanity table.  This is my go-to foundation to whip up an everyday look...for the workplace..or anywhere really.  Thank and keep a lookout for my next review!

Product Review: Milani Moisture Lock Lip Treatment

New: Milani Moisture Lock Oil Infused Lip Treatment

Hello luvs! I have always been a fan of Milani Cosmetics. It's a drugstore brand, so you know it's affordable..which is great if you're trying to save yet still look beautiful. I had first heard about this new lip treatment about 3 weeks ago, so you know I had to go out and try it and do a product review. 

The lip treatment retails at about $8.49, but may be a little cheaper depending on which retail shop you go to. Milani products can be purchased at your local drugstore (i.e. Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS, Walmart, or Target).  You can also go online and purchase directly from their website at https://milanicosmetics.com/Moisture-Lock-Oil-Infused-Lip-Treatment.html. 

Item Description:

Milani Moisture Lock Lip treatment comes in 8 different colors and flavors.  They claim to hydrate your lips while giving you the lip gloss shine. Each of the treatments are geared to specifically treat a problem area: moisturize, heal, rejuvenate, condition, repair, revitalize, protect, and nourish. The lip treatments contain Jojoba, avocado, and Tsubaki oils. Each one has a plush applicator, which is a good size to help cover the surface area of your lips. 
Each tube is .10 ounces.

My Thoughts:

I personally went to my local Walgreens to purchase mine.  I purchased the Rose Hip oil infused, 05 Repairing Primrose and the Pomegranate oil infused, 07 Protecting Pomegranate.  The Primrose has a light pink color, and the Pomegranate is a red color.   I went home and opened up each of them and tried them both.  I was a little disappointed because although both had a tint of color in the bottle, I found that when I had applied them to my lips, there was no color at all.  I guess I had expected some color, yet I could understand since they are oils. You don't really get any pigment from oils.

They do have a pleasant smell, and I particularly liked the applicator. It is very soft and made it easy to apply the oil treatment on my lips.  I prefer to use it by itself, on days when I don't want to wear any lipstick. I suppose you can use it as a lip gloss on top of your lipstick, but I don't think you would get the full benefit of the lip treatment...just personal preference. Do whatever works best for you.  

I have been using it for about 3 weeks now, and I must say, that I am very satisfied with the product.  I did notice that my lips were softer, and didn't dry out throughout the day.  I do apply it about 2-3 times throughout the day, in the morning, after eating lunch, and at bedtime.  I like it because it does not leave a sticky or tacky feeling on your lips like some high-end lip glosses do. It goes on smooth and left my lips feeling soft and moisturized.

What's the verdict?

I would say for the price point, it's definitely worth the buy. I'm not sure if you would need all 8, I found that I could have probably just bought one tube and I would have been well off.  I've used the two I have interchangeably and it still looks like the first day I bought it. I can already tell that it would last me a long time.  Hence, another pro to purchasing. It will probably last about 3 months or even longer if you ask me. The tube is a little fatter than normal lip glosses, but it fits in my purse, and is small enough to fit in your pocket.    Milani hasn't disappointed me yet. I definitely love their lippies! So if you get a chance, you should definitely try it if you enjoy lip products and treatments.

Product Review: Too Faced Contour Kit

Product Review: Too Faced Contour Chiseled to Perfection

Is it worth the buy?

Happy New Year loves! To set this New Year straight and with my goal of trying to actually "blog" more..I decided to kick it off with a product review of the Too Faced Cocoa Contour kit.  It retails for about $40 at Sephora and Ulta Beauty. If you have reward points for either Sephora or Ulta..take advantage of it and use your discounts or coupons!


This kit contains:
- 0.17 oz Highlighter shade in Light Cocoa
- 2 x 0.17 oz Sculpting shade in Medium Cocoa, Dark Cocoa
- 0.17 oz Contouring shade in Pop of Light
- Contour Buki Brush
- Signature Glamour Guide


It does not contain parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.


I've been using the contour kit for about 3-4 months. I haven't used the buki brush that came with it, as I have my own full sized one. However, the buki brush is really soft and actually feels pretty nice on the skin.  Not coarse like some other brushes.   I'm medium skin toned so I use the medium cocoa and the dark cocoa shade.  The powders smell just like chocolate, as Too Faced is well known for making powders smell heavenly.  Whoever thought of that is a marketing genius!


Now, I must say, I tend to alternate the medium and dark cocoa shades...depending on my mood.  I use the medium cocoa shade for my everyday "go to" makeup routine, works perfectly for work or just going out to run errands.  If I have somewhere fancy to go, like dinner or a date, I will definitely go with the dark cocoa shade.  I go all in and do my full face makeup routine.  To be honest, those are the only two shades that I regularly use.  I tried using the highlighter, and I wasn't a big fan initially.  But when it does work well if you use a liquid based highlighter first, like Temptu or Josie Maran's Argan illuminizer.  If you are familiar with any highlighting "strobing" technique, the Too Faced highlighter in this kit would benefit you.  The con to the highlighter is that it does have some fallout..and there are specs of glitter throughout..so I would suggest using a very light hand when applying it to your face.


Other than that con with the highlighter, I find that this kit has became one of my favorites.  I gravitate towards it and constantly use it.  The powders are easily blendable and you can build it up if you want a deeper contour.  The shades of the medium and dark cocoa compliment my medium skin tone and it makes me look refreshed..not too bronzy looking.  Also, the price point is a little pricey, considering that it retails for $40 and it's competitors like Kat Von D, Shade and Light contour palette retails for $46 and has more shades...it's really your personal preference. Like I said earlier, if you can use a coupon or reward points, please do so. It helps the price a little more bearable. Otherwise,  I would recommend it if you are looking for a good contour powder, and if you want to try out Too Faced products. 

I'm back! Again..

I'm back! Again...

Hello Bitty Beauties! I am back again..back from my hiatus..so much has happened since my last post..and I apologize but I needed to take a long break. I'm back with some new topics that I plan on writing about. I'm so excited to be back, it truly feels good to have taken a much needed break to focus on myself and my kids.


If you have any topics that you want to suggest, please let me know! You can e-mail me at bittycreations4u@gmail.com

Easy DIY Face Primer/Beauty Balm (BB) Cream

How to make your own Face Primer/BB Cream

Hello Bitty Luvs! Do you ever have extra foundation lying around that may be a little too light or too dark for your skin color? Perhaps you are like me and have bought some foundation at your local pharmacy store and it didn't quite match.  I was sitting around trying to find ways to "recycle" my unmatched foundations without having to throw them out.  I don't have the receipt so I couldn't return it or exchange them.  I thought, why not make my own tinted face primer/BB cream?  Just read below to see the ingredients. You can find most of these items at your local pharmacy store.

What you will need:

• foundation (liquid or powder, whatever you have)
• moisturizer cream (day or night, your preference)
• Aloe vera gel
• small bowl/preferably a small container with a lid
• witch hazel (if you want a matte finish)
• Vitamin E oil

In a small bowl or container, add a tablespoon of your moisturizer cream, a tablespoon of aloe vera gel, and a tablespoon of your foundation.  Mix. Next, add a  1/2 a teaspoon of witch hazel and Vitamin E oil.  The witch hazel will mattefy the primer/bb cream and the Vitamin E oil will help the product last longer. Mix the witch hazel and Vitamin E oil together. 

Once mixed together, it is ready to use! You can use this primer/bb cream to prep your face before applying your regular makeup.

Bonus! DIY Setting Spray

You can also make your own setting spray. The rose water and glycerin were found at my local grocery store in their organic isle.  You can also check out your local Whole Foods store if you have one near.

You will need the following:

• Rose water- 1/2 cup
• Vegetable Glycerin- 2 teaspoons
• Witch Hazel- 1 teaspoon
• Tea Tree Oil- 3-5 drops
• Spray bottle/atomizer
• small bowl

Mix the rose water, vegetable glycerin, witch hazel, and tea tree oil in a small bowl.  Stir and pour into your spray bottle.  You can use this to set your makeup and it will keep your skin hydrated and moisturized throughout the day.  It's a great way to freshen up. 

I hope you all found this DIY helpful.  Sometimes, you can really find great ways to save and prevent yourself from wasting your beauty products. These are a great alternative to spending $30+ on face primers and setting sprays.  They also make great personalized gifts to give your friends or family members.  Just find some cute containers from your local craft store and personalize them.  If you have any DIY ideas that you would like to share, please feel free to comment.  Thanks!

New Make Up: Colour Pop Cosmetics Review

ColourPop Cosmetics Review

Hellow Bittys! Happy New Year! If you're reading this you've made it to 2015. With that said, I am here to tell you about my thoughts on a new makeup line from ColourPop Cosmetics. 

I had first heard of them from watching YouTube videos.  I was intrigued when the video mentioned that ALL of their products are $5.  I was like "whhhhaaaattttt? $5?? Let me check this out", and so I did.  I went online to their website and saw all their products.  They have beautiful eyeshadows and lippy's.  And, all the their products were $5 each, with the execeptions of their eyeshadow and lippy sets.  They are a company based out of Southern California, Los Angeles. They are cruelty free so they don't test on any animals! Yayyyy, no bunnies or any other animal are getting hurt, which is always a plus.  The company does not use much money on marketing and advertising, they use Social Media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and FaceBook to promote their products, as well as using the consumers who purchase the product by telling others by word of mouth.  Pure GENIUS if you ask me.  This allows them to keep their prices low and affordable. 

As you can see, the packaging is beautiful.  They are fast shippers, and you can use PayPal when checking out.

The picture above is their limited edition "Not a Box of Chocolates" eyeshadow set. 

My Thoughts:

What I found interesting about their products is for one, they specialize in just shadows and lippys.  Not that it is a bad thing, I find it nice because you don't get so distracted. You either get one or the other, or both.  I really love that they have a variety of finishes on the shadows and lippys.  You can find unique colors that match any style.  From pearlized, mattes, to glossy finishes.  It is quite a wide range.  I love that they have a lot of bold colors, which are fantastic because you can find something to match any outfit!

The shadows have a very soft consistency.  Reminds me of a sponge almost..you can just dab your finger and feel how soft it is, and they are very pigmented.  You must make sure to close them tightly, as they will dry out. 

As far as the lippys go, I LOVE that they provide lipstick and lip liners that complement each other.  It makes it so much easier to find the right colors.  Some of their lippys are dupes for MAC's line.  For example, their lippy Button is a dupe for MAC's spice liner.  It goes on so smoothly and creamy.  Like their shadows, you will defiitely get great color payoff on their lippys.  They also have a wide range of colors and finishes for their lippys.  They just put out their new line of mattes shadows also.

Honestly, I am very pleased with this company and their products.  I have ordered twice so far and have not yet been disappointed in any of the items I've purchased.  I am loving the $5 pricing they have, and it is well worth the money.  They are quality cosmetics that fall in line with some of the top high end brands out there, but are very affordable and made in the USA.  You cannot beat that price.  I definitely recommend their products and encourage you readers to try them out if you are looking for something more affordable, and trendy.  Remember, they are based out of Los Angeles, CA and are around some of the most famous designers, actors and fashion inspirations!

You can read more about them or browse their site to see all the fabulous products they offer here: https://colourpop.com/

I hope you all found this review helpful in case you were curious about trying them out, or perhaps you haven't even heard of them.  Well, I'm letting you know now...get on them! Their makeup and prices are ON POINT!

I really wanted to get this blog review up because I absolutely am obsessed with their products.  Please feel free  to leave any comments or questions and if you've tried  them out, please leave your thoughts on what you think about their products.  Much luv until next time!

DIY Bitty Bath Bombs and Sugar Lip Scrub

Holiday Inspired DIY Bitty Bath Bombs and Sugar Lip Scrub

Easy DIY Bitty Bath Bombs and Sugar Lip Scrubs...just like LUSH but cheaper!

Hello Bitty Luvs! I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving Holiday and hope you are getting ready for Christmas!  So.. I was working on a few DIY holiday gifts this year and I thought of making some bath bombs and lip scrubs.  I was thinking to myself, while browsing holiday gifts online..that gee..I know there's gotta be a cheaper way to get some of these things without breaking the bank.  Instead of spending tons of money ordering items online, you can make it at home.  It's quite cheap and very easy to make.  Items can be found at your local grocery store. Now, you can substitute any of the oils with ones you want. You can purchase them at Whole Foods, or other grocery stores.

Holiday Sugar Lip Scrub

The picture are some scrubs I made with my daughter.  We used bead organizers as the container, and some labels I found at Michael's. 

 

Ingredients:

• 1 medium bowl
• 1 cup of sugar (white, refined) or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• red food coloring, green food coloring
• peppermint essential oil (optional)
• spoon
• small decorative jar or mason jar (any small container that you can close)

Pour sugar, honey, coconut oil, and olive oil in the bowl. Drop 1-3 drops of your peppermint essential oil, and 2-3 drops of your preferred food coloring.  Stir with spoon, squishing all ingredients together until well mixed.  Once done, you can scoop all of the material into the jar.  I personally made two bowls, one using red food coloring and the other batch I used green food coloring, to make it holiday themed.  If you are using brown sugar, you may want to skip out on the food coloring.  Sugar lip scrubs can be stored at room temperature or in the fridge.

If you use brown sugar, you can pair it with coconut oil, olive oil, honey, and add some ground cinnamon to make a coconut brown sugar lip scrub.  You can also use fruit extracts for your lip scrubs.  You can purchase the extracts at your local grocery store, and you can add a drop or two to your sugar mix.

 

To use your lip scrub: wet lips with warm water, gently apply the lip scrub on your lips using your index finger, rub left to right like you are brushing your lips with your finger. Gently scrub your lips, rinse with warm water and lightly dry.  Apply your preferred lip balm to finish! Enjoy! You can do this as many times a day.  The honey acts as an antibacterial, the coconut oil and olive oil adds moisture and antioxidants, and the sugar will exfoliate dead skin from your lips. 

Bitty Bath Bombs:
Ingredients to make 3 bath bombs

• 1/2 cup of baking soda
• 1/4 cup of citric acid (you can find this at the grocery store, near the canning area, or where they sell any items for pickling, or jams)
• 1/4 cup cream of tartar
• 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt
• 1 tablespoon of powdered milk (optional)
• 10-20 drops of essential oil of your choice (I bought mine at Whole Foods)
• 2-3 tablespoons of water or tea
• small spray bottle
• 2-4 drops of food coloring of your choice
• colored sprinkles of your choice (optional)
• mold of your choice (you can get a mold at your local craft store, or you can use cupcake molds, etc. I bought some ornament ones from Michael's for $0.99)
• Large mixing bowl
• disposable gloves (optional)
• fork
• drying plate with paper towels or tissue paper

In a large mixing bowl, combine all your dry ingredients (baking soda, citric acid, cream of tartar, salt, and powdered milk.  Stir with fork.  Then add your essential oil drops, food coloring drops, don on your disposable gloves and stir and mix with your hand.  Take the small spray bottle, and our your tea/water into it and spray the mixture with the water while you are stirring with your hand, don't over spray and wet your mixture too much because it will cause the baking soda to activate.  Basically, you are trying to mix the mixture until you are able to clump it together, where it is moldable. 

Once you get the right consistency, take your mold, drop in your sprinkles at the bottom to decorate the bomb, and pack in he mixture on top.  Make sure to pack it in real good. If not, the bath bomb will crumble. Once you do that set it aside and complete the other molds.  Once you are done,  lightly tap the mold at the bottom to help release the bath bomb. Take the bath bomb and lay it on your plate on top of the tissue paper.  Let dry for 24-48 hours. 

Once the bath bombs are completely dry, you are free to package them in small decorative bags or boxes..or whatever container of your choice.  They make great stocking stuffers for friends/family.  I like to put mine in some bags I purchased front he craft store. You can also purchase some at your local dollar store. I like to tie a ribbon on the bag for extra flare.  You can make as many as you want, and they last a long time. 

 

As you can see, I made 1 ball bath bomb, similar to LUSH, and I made4 halves.  The mold I used was pretty large.  I think next time I will use smaller molds.  As far as the lip scrubs, you can experiment and try different items in your scrub.  You can use bigger sugar crystals, different types of fruit extracts, different colors, the possibilities are endless!

This was my first time so trial and error.  It was fun to do, and you can make more for cheaper than what you would spend at the stores.

 

I hope you enjoyed this blog, and if you have made bath bombs or sugar scrubs before, feel free to share any techniques or your recipes.  Please subscribe to follow my blog :) Thanks and Happy Holidays!