FOTD: Black Radiance 8-pan palette in Downtown Browns

Happy Monday, lovelies! I don't typically wear purple-y shades, but I woke up with a little extra pep in my step this morning and decided to use the lovely Black Radiance 8-pan palette in Downtown Browns. The colors are more on the purple side than brown, but are equally as gorgeous! I also busted out some products I don't use much, like my Almay liquid liner in Brown Topaz and Loreal Colour Juice gloss in 500 Watermelon Crush.

Face: Revlon Colorstay foundation in 150 Buff, Hard Candy Glamoflauge heavy duty concealer in Light and Maybelline Age Rewind Eraser in Brightener.

Cheeks: ELF blush in Fushia Fusion and Wet-n-Wild highlight in Reserve Your Cabana.

Eyes: Black Radiance 8-pan palette in Downtown Browns (left side), Almay liquid liner in Brown Topaz, Covergirl Professional Super Thick Lash mascara in Very Black and Loreal Volumnous Carbon Black mascara over the CG one.

Lips: Loreal Colour Juice lip gloss in 500 Watermelon Crush. 

First Impressions: Black Radiance Downtown Browns and Full Effect Mascara

I saw this little jewel in Wal-Mart today and picked it up because I saw Emily Noel (from Beauty Broadcast) talk about it on her blog. 

Downtown Browns

I had seen the palette in CVS a long time ago, but passed on it because I wasn't sure about the quality. If you're a fan of the Wet-n-Wild eyeshadows like I am, then you'll love these! I love that the shades are neutral, but some are plumy-neutral. The brand claims that there are "8 ultra-pigmented shades in matte, pearl, metallic and shimmer." Although I do love the colors, there are no matte shades in this palette. I was thinking the third shade on the right (the purpley-plum shade) would be the matte one, but I find it to be a satin finish.                   

Maybe you can get a better idea of how they capture the light with both pictures.

Ride Side...

Without Flash.

*Note: I know the last two shades look matte in the picture, but they are a satin.*

With Flash.

Left Side...

Without Flash.

With Flash.

*Seriously, how gorgeous are these shades?!*

Full Effect Mascara

I've never tried any of Black Radiance's products before, but I am very curious to try this mascara. The claim is that it "instantly volumizes and defines lashes" and that it's "infused with Shea Butter and Argan Oil." I have really high hopes for this mascara because we all know how wonderful Shea butter and argan oil are. The brush has long spikes on it so hopefully it will work to really separate the lashes. 

♥

Daily Dose of Pretty...

• It's been a hell of a weekend! I have three tests and a paper due this week, so I was super busy with school. Come on, May!
• I went to Ulta today and bought two of the Stay With Me lip glosses by Essence. I got Kiss Kiss Kiss (the red) and Pretty Witty (the hot pink). Look for a review soon!
• I had a wonderful chat with my grandma today! Can't wait to go home and spend time with family!

What do you think of the Black Radiance palettes? What would you recommend from the line?

Review: Wet n Wild Comfort Zone

All I can say is WOW! 
Wet-n-Wild has hit this one out of the park! What an amazing palette (and it's super affordable)!
This palette has a wonderful selection of bronzy- browns and gorgeous greens. If you're into earth tone shades like me, you'll love this palette! The pigmentation is amazing, to say the least, and I didn't experience too much fall out. These are not chalky or powdery at all and glide on so smooth; they have a kinda velvet smooth texture. Also, I don't use a primer/base for these shadows. I'm a firm believer that I shouldn't have to use a primer (because I don't have oily eyelids) to make a shadow vibrant- it should preform well on it's own.  Wet-n-Wild eyeshadows are hands down some of the best from the drugstore. This 8-pan palette is more on the warm side and doesn't have any matte shades. In general, I prefer a palette to have a nice assortment of  matte, shimmer and satin...these are all satin (which is my favorite finish), but I love the colors so much that I don't mind them all being the same finish.

Introducing the shadows...
Left Side: Bronzy Browns

The top shade is listed as the brow bone color. It is a gorgeous shimmery golden ivory shade. This color makes a wonderful inner corner shade. I have used this color as a brow bone highlight, but I prefer a matte shade for my brow bone.
The next shade is listed as the brow bone color. This one is hands down my favorite color in the entire palette. It's an amazingly beautiful coppery, golden brown. This color looks great all over the lid and really makes my blue eyes pop!
The next shade is listed as the crease color. This is a midtone brown and looks great in the crease. I love pairing this with the coppery, golden brown. It makes a beautiful day look that could easily be taken to night.
The final side of the left side is the definer color. It is a dark, sultry brown and I'm seeing just a smidge of purple. This color is gorgeous in the outer-v and even works great on the lower lash line.
Right Side: Glamorous Greens.

The top shade is listed as the brow bone color. It is a beautiful greenish taupe. I use this shade all over the lid and it's stunning.
The next shade is listed as the eyelid color. It is a really pretty green that's more on the cooler, brighter side than any other color in the palette. I used this color a good bit in the spring/summer, but now that we're moving into fall, I'm not sure I'll be reaching for it as much this season.
The next shade is listed as the crease color. It is a dark, smoky olive green that is stunning in the outer-v. I find myself reaching for this one a good bit because it's a great alternative to browns, in case you want to switch up you're look.
The final shade of the right side is the definer color. This is definitely the most interesting color of the bunch. It's a green and brown duo-chrome very similar to MAC'S Club. Honestly, I didn't think I would use this color as much because I'm not a huge duo-chrome fan, but I love it. I've only used this on the outer third of my lower lash line, but I think the effect it gives is pretty cool. Maybe I'll be a little more daring in the future and use it in the crease or outer-v.

Overall thoughts...
This is an excellent palette and you can't beat the price. I think it was $4.99 at my Rite Aid...that's less than a dollar per shadow. What a steal! I cannot say enough good things about this palette. I will definitely be buying a backup because I never want to be without it!

Note: All of these shades have MAC dupes or very similar alternatives. The first picture shows the dupes or alternatives. Credit: I found out about these dupes through Youtube's ToMyMakeupFans

Daily Dose of Pretty...

• I am fixing to go to the grocery store to stock up on munchies for my long study weekend.
• I talked to one of dearest friends today that I don't get to talk to as much anymore...so nice to catch up with great friends!
• This is my very 1st blog post and I'm kinda excited about it. Special thanks to my friend (and old roomate), Holli, for helping me with a few things! :)

Have you tried Wet-n-Wild's eyeshadows?