$1 Makeup Review! Santee Aqua Stylish Silky Milk Foundation

All images, www.ShopMissA.com

Recently, a few WOC-friendly foundations popped up at one of my favorite low-cost retailers, Miss A. 


Miss A can be found online at www.ShopMissA.com or- as of Spring 2016- in Dallas, Texas at the Grapevine Mills Mall.




Miss A Careers Page: http://www.shopmissa.com/pages/careers

One of Miss A's major draws is that everything on the site is just $1!  Offerings include accessories, makeup, hair care, cosmetic tools and implements, stationery, and general kitsch.

I noticed a new foundation on the site not too long ago, and decided to give it a try.  It is the Santee Aqua Stylish Silky Milk Foundation, and it's offered in a dozen shades, including some mid-range browns for Women of Color.

Miss A product link

I purchased shade number 12, which is as close a match as I could hope for based on an on-screen comparison. 

My foundation equivalents

I am a woman of color, deep tan-brown with golden undertones, and this foundation was just a teeeeensy bit too orange for me.  Other than that, though, I was extremely pleased with the shade match.

L-R: Santee, Revlon Nearly Naked, Maybelline Mineral Power, Maybelline Dream Wonder, Estee Lauder Double Wear, Black Opal Truly Topaz.

Moving on! This definitely gives you a dewy finish, and- in my opinion- it needs to be set with a pressed powder.  It's also a bit difficult to blend - I used my flat-top kabuki, and then felt I needed to finish blending with a dampened AOA Wonder Blender sponge (or use a Beauty Blender, Real Techniques blender sponge, etc.) to work out the streaks. 

I put it over the Santee primer (also $1 at www.ShopMissA.com), and set with KleanColor True Self Pressed Powder in Walnut (except where I had used the KleanColor White Lies Orange corrector stick, which I baked with the Santee baking powder), and it stayed flawless all day. 

The coverage is good, but a bit sheer, and it gets a little tough to blend when you add layers, so I would call this light-medium. Basically, if you have severe dark circles or hyperpigmentation, you'll still need a concealer.

Bottom line: I was very happy with this product, and I would definitely recommend giving it a try!

Pardon the migraine face.  :-|
On the lips: KleanColor Madly Matte Liquid Lipstick in Mademoiselle

Notes: Oil-free, SPF20, no cruelty-free branding.

 

INGREDIENTS: dimethicone copolyol, phenyltrimethicone, dimethicone & dimethiconol, cyclomethicone, silica, distilled water, pentylene glycol, allantoin, tocopherol acetate, imidazulindinyl urea, sodium chloride. MAY CONTAIN: red oxide of iron C177491, yellow oxide of iron C177492, black oxide of iron C177499, titanium dioxide C177891, mica, perfume.   

Swatch Sunday #6 | elf Cosmetics

SWATCH SUNDAY #6 | ELF COSMETICS

As you know, I am a big fan of makeup bargains, and elf cosmetics knows the way to my heart.  The brand's "essential" line typically retials for $1-3, while the "studio" line is typically $3-6.  Those are amazing deals, but they get even better!  elf offers 50% sales once or twice a year, which bring the price down even lower.  I decided to swatch some of my recent finds as well as some past favorites.  And from now on, I will have a special guest swatching along with me - my husband! 

I often, in my YouTube videos, mention that cosmetics products can appear drastically different on deeper versus lighter skin tones.  Well, we finally had the brilliant idea to do double swatches, and I am SO excited that we did!

Here are some highlights from this week's Swatch Sunday video.

Pictured above are elf All Over Cover Sticks.  They are retractable cream foundation/concealer tubes, and they typically retail for $1 on eyeslipsface.com.  I purchased these for just 50 cents during a 50%-off sitewide sale.

These are creamy and pigmented, and they blend out very nicely.  The major downside, in my opinion, is that these never really set.  They really need to be set with a powder, or they can tend to transfer easily. 

Bottom line: these are a great concealer - try the middle shade to offset dark circles.

 
 
 

 

I found these HD Blushes at Dollar Tree, and they are also currently available at eyeslipsface.com in five different shades.  I really like all the shades, and, since the product is very creamy, I decided to try swatching on my lips. 

 

 This went on very smoothly and set semi-matte.  I absolutely love all of these shades as lipsticks, and will definitely be using them in this way.  I also imagine they would make great eyeshadow bases, and will be sure to try them that way as well. 

 

Two thumbs up for this product!

 

 

 

I purchased these bronzers online during an elf sitewide sale, when they were just 50 cents.  I got several of each, on the off chance they were awesome as highlighters, and- guess what?- they totally are!

 

I swatched these on my hand and my husband's hand to show how they appear on different skin tones.  In my opinion, these wouldn't be very effective as bronzers even on fairer skin, but I'll let you be the judge. 

 

 

 

I have used all of these as highlighters (I typically go with Luminance- the lightest of the three- during winter), and am a huge fan of these. They're creamy and blendable, and give off a nice sheen.  I would recommend picking these up, if you're not afraid of a little bit of sheen at the high points of your cheek and under the browbone.

 

There are more swatches in the YouTube video, so be sure to check it out!  If you've used any of these products, I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. 

Thanks, as always, for reading!  See you next time.  :)

Swatch Sunday # 5 | Physician's Formula

SWATCH SUNDAY # 5 | PHYSICIAN'S FORMULA

I know you're going to start thinking that I am in love with this brand, but I actually have just amassed a large collection from Dollar Tree hauls (and one EPIC Burlington Coat Factory haul).  This week, I had a special guest swatching along with me - my husband! 

I often, in my YouTube videos, mention that cosmetics products can appear drastically different on deeper versus lighter skin tones.  Well, we finally had the brilliant idea to do double swatches, and I am SO excited that we did!

Here are some highlights from this week's Swatch Sunday video.

Pictured above are the Physician's Formula Felt Tip Eye Definer marker.  The tip is a pointed brush that is long, firm, and actually does create a defined line.  These typically retailed between $5-8 and appear to be discontinued.  I found these for just $1 at the Dollar Tree.

These are moist, defined, and pigmented to show up on deeper skin tones.  I've had them for several months (open and in use) and they haven't yet dried out.  However (and the experts at Makeup Alley tend to agree), these don't have great staying power.  Good for a dinner date, but not for all-day office eye looks.  The Makeup Alley reviews also call this brush difficult to work with, and I didn't find this to be the case. 

Bottom line: buyer beware.  You may love these, and at the $1 price point, it's worth a gamble.

All three Physician's Formula Eye Definer Flat Automatic Pencils pictured above were purchased at the Dollar Tree.

I actually really love the formula of these pencils, and the colors came across beautifully on both skin tones.  I have used Black Raisin as a smoked-out shadow liner (I didn't even bother trying to line, as I could tell by swatching that these would budge easily), and it worked beautifully.  I also use the Warm Black and Dark Brown as eyebrow pencils and they are simply awesome for creating the shape I love.

Bottom line: I love these pencils and would recommend them!

The Physician's Formula Loose-To-Go powder was purchased at Dollar Tree.  The Magic Mosaic powder was purchased in a set during the Burlington Coat Factory haul referenced above.

These powders both give off a slight wash over deep color, and the Loose-To-Go powder offers a bit of shimmer as well. 

Bottom line: there's not much pigmentation in this palette - skip it unless you're very fair.

Left to right: Mineral Wear FaceBrightener, Gentle Wear Bronzer, Les Botaniques Bronzer

All three of these products were purchased at Burlington Coat Factory as a part of a set.  The sets cost $2-3 each, which is a huge savings from the typical Physician's Formula price of $10-13 per item. 

These actually do show up on both skin tones (some more than others), but the color being given off by the first two is not something I would describe as bronzer spectrum. 

Bottom line: If you're interested in trying one of these bronzers, I'd recommend the Les Botaniques line.  It actually looks like a bromzer on fairer tones, and works as a totally respectable highlighter on deeper skin.

 

I purchased this 3-in-1 Shimmer Strips product at Dollar Tree, where it was- of course- just one dollar.

As pictured above, the lighter colors appear to be a great highlighter and bronzer set, and they could function as eyeshadows as well.

Bottom line: I like this product a lot, and actually to intend to try these powders as shadows, highlighters, and bronzers.  There's not a ton of product included, but for $1, that's not a deal-breaker.




Shimmer Strips blushes in Sunkissed Glow (left) and Rosy Glow (right)

I purchased these Shimmer Strips blushes at Burlington Coat Factory (left) and Dollar Tree (right).

These swatches were specifically for Instagram, because I wanted to get good photos of the product in the same lighting and directly next to each other for better comparison.  We also applied these wet inadvertently (I had cleaned off the swatch surface with a wet wipe just prior to swatching and LOVED the effect), which ended up being a great thing.

As you can see, these colors are absolute magic for both skin tones.  Applying wet makes the color rich and intense.  These could easily double as eyeshadows as well. 

Bottom line: GET THESE!  I would actually dare to say these may be worth the asking price.


Believe it or not, there are actually even more swatches in the YouTube video, so be sure to check it out!  If you've used any of these products, I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. 

Thanks, as always, for reading!  See you next time.  :)

 

WIshlist Wednesday #4 | Dollar Tree

WISH LIST WEDNESDAY #3 | DOLLAR TREE 

 

 

If you're anything like me, you've probably made mental lists of all the awesome finds you've seen hauled at Dollar Tree in hopes that one sweet day you'll find them, too.  I'm no different - except I actually make visuals to help me keep track and I update them every week as new sightings occur.

 

On each of the items, I listed the Instagram account of the person who found them.  I also linked all the accounts in the caption so you can check out their other posts and follow them!

 

 

https://instagram.com/dollartreecrazy
https://instagram.com/amandaa28_
https://instagram.com/bargainbeauty
https://instagram.com/jessicaestrlla
https://instagram.com/beaute_07
https://instagram.com/prettynflawed
https://instagram.com/soleiluna09
https://instagram.com/sensationalfinds
 

 

 

 

Duck Tape brand duct tape has been popping up at Dollar Tree for about a year, and lots of different designs have been spotted.

 

 

 

 

These retail for $5-6 normally, so $1 is a great price.  They come with 10 yards of tape, so if you're shipping out a lot of boxes, or if you plan to use these to make duct tape crafts, now's the time to load up!

 

Next up, Amanda over at Fabb TV hauled a Soft Whisper body wash that I've never come across at Dollar Tree.

 

Several months ago, I found two different varieties of body washes that look like the ones pictured below:

 

I really regret not getting more when they were available.  The Pomegranate body wash pictured above was awesome - lathered up well, the texture was nice and thick, and it gave off a lovely scent.

There was also a peach or nectarine scent that I hauled that I adored.  So SOOOO bummed that I didn't purchase more.  They totally rival Bath and Body Works in my opinion.

 

 

These NYC City Proof Intense Lipcolors are also popping up at Dollar Tree.  I believe I picked up a few of these on clearance some months ago, so I'll be digging through my stash to try to find them so I can swatch them in a future Swatch Sunday.

 

 

There look to be about a dozen shades total, although finding a complete set at Dollar Tree is typically near impossible.  But I'm on the case!  :)

Annnnnd, it looks like the L'Oreal Magic Perfecting Base has once again been found at Dollar Tree!  YAYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!

I was lucky enough to find several of these last year, and I've been very happy with this product's performance as a primer.  True, it does need a little work to get it completely blended, BUT! It's totally a win in my opinion.  And, since the .5 ounce full-sized product retails for $8-12 dollars (the 3-week sample size, which is being sold at Dollar Tree, is .17 ounce and retails for ~$4).

The reviewers of Makeup Alley are unconvinced.

One major con - which was referenced quite often in negative reviews on MakeupAlley.com, is that this is packaged in a tub, which means that you're constantly sticking your fingers inside and exposing the product to germs, dirt, water, etc.  Some reviewers also referenced how difficult it is to blend (it is), but that's not a deal-breaker for me. 

 

 

Next up, the gawjus Miss Jessica Estrella of YouTube infamy found and IG-blasted a bunch of elf products.  I shared reviews online, but the bottom line is- reception to these two products is largely positive.

 

Both products are from the Studio line, which typically retails $2-5.  And even better, elf has 50% off sales a couple of times a year, which brings the prices down even further.

 

 

 

These lotion wipes come 15 to a pack and normally retail for $3. They're actually still being sold, and are available in three different scents, although only the Coconut Vanilla has been spotted at Dollar Tree.  Largely, the reviews were positive, and I'd be interested in trying them just to experience the whole lotion wipe trend.

 

 

The elf HD blush is a product I've actually be wanting to try for some time, so I'm very excited that it's made its way to DT!

 

 

 

Reviewers have called this product a bit watery but incredibly pigmented.  I'm not sure how easy it is to blend these out, but I did share reviewer commentary and photographs in my YouTube video, so be sure to check it out!

 

 

There's not much more I can say about Ritz crackers or the books pictured above, except that I want them (!), and if you're a long-term Wishlist reader, you've already been alerted to the awesome Skintimate product pictured below. 

 

 

Check out my most recent Wishlist Wednesday blog for more about this product!

 

 

 

 

Those are the highlights!  So, what's on your wish list this week?  Comment below to share your must-finds. :)

Thanks for reading - see you next time!

Swatch Sunday #4 | Physician's Formula

SWATCH SUNDAY #4 | PHYSICIAN'S FORMULA

 

Over the last several months, I have found tons of Physician's Formula makeup items at Dollar Tree.  Not just a large quantity, but also a large variety.  Below, I'll share photos and quick reviews, and also head over to YouTube to see live swatches.



Baked Sands looks like it would be perfect as a highlight/contour palette for me.

I haven't yet used these wet, but they're excellent dry, so I'm very hopeful!

Next up are these Physician's Formula Natural Origin blushes.  I found five different shades at Dollar Tree.

Top to bottom: Blushing Organics, Mauve Organics, Natural Organics

 

Top to bottom: Pink Organics, Warming Organics

 

 

I broke Blushing Organics (it fell out of the pan and shattered), and repaired it (ish) by saturating with rubbing alcohol and allowing it to dry.

 

A swatch of "Blushing Organics" after alcohol repair.  Actually more pigmented!

 
There are a ton more swatches in my video (the longest video yet!) so take a look.  If you've used any of these products, please let me know in the comments section below. :)

Thanks for reading!  I'll see you next time!

WIshlist Wednesday #3 | Dollar Tree

WISH LIST WEDNESDAY #3 | DOLLAR TREE

 

 

 

 

 

If you're anything like me, you've probably made mental lists of all the awesome finds you've seen hauled at Dollar Tree in hopes that one sweet day you'll find them, too.  I'm no different - except I actually make visuals to help me keep track and I update them every week as new sightings occur.

 

On each of the items, I listed the Instagram account of the person who found them.  I also linked all the accounts in the caption so you can check out their other posts and follow them!
 
 

 
 

Image courtesy Walmart

 
I'm a big fan of Airborne products; in fact, I regularly stock up on them at Dollar Tree because I know what an excellent deal it is to find these for just $1.  I haven't yet seen the chewables pictured above, so I'll definitely keep this on my wish list until they make it to my store.
 
The complete nutritional information per serving size is listed below:
 

 

 

 

 

Dollar Tree stores have also been carrying a number of Durex lubricants, massage oils, and condoms lately.  I think some of these may make excellent body oils, so I'm going to be looking for the Massage & Play line.  They are full-size 6 ounce containers, so you should be able to use coupons, if you find them.  According to the Walmart website, these currently retail for $8-$10.

 

 
The ingredients (as found on CVS.com) are: water,propylene glycol,hydroxyethylcellulose,benzoic acid,aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice,sodium saccharin,sodium hydroxide

Dollar Tree is also carrying these Durex variety packs, which include lubricants, a vibrating ring, and four condoms.  That seems like an excellent bargain, so keep your eyes peeled for this one as well.  It's currently retailing for about $7 at Walmart.
 

 
The Play Vibrations Variety Pack description, from Walmart:

Item Description

An exciting assortment of stimulating Durex products. Durex Play Vibrations Variety Pack contains:

• 1 vibrating ring enhances pleasure
• 4 lubricant packets
• 4 lubricated latex condoms
• Each condom is electronically tested for reliability

 

Overview

• In a Nutshell:

  • Includes condoms, lubricants, and one vibrating ring
  • Enhances intimacy while protecting against STDs and pregnancy
  • Sensation-enhancing and flavored lubes safe to use with condoms
  • Vibrating ring provides 20 minutes of sensual vibration
  • Condoms triple tested for strength and flexibility  

• Includes Condoms, Lubricants, and Vibrating Ring

  This pack contains one Play Vibrations Ring, four Play Lubricants (Tingling, Warmer, Pina Colada, and Cherry), and four condoms (Extra Sensitive, Extra Sensitive Ribbed, Pleasuremax, and Tropical). Mix and match for a fun, sensual experience.

• Vibration Heightens Mutual Pleasure

  The Play Vibrations Ring is a pleasure-enhancing toy specially designed to provide mutual satisfaction. It features a soft, comfortable texture and ergonomic design perfect for intimate contact and experimenting with different angles of stimulation. Turn on the ring and enjoy up to 20 minutes of vibration meant to intensify sensitivity and enhance intimacy.

• Condoms Designed to Heighten Sensation

  This assortment of condoms contains everything from thin to flavored, extra sensitive to ribbed. Whichever variety you choose, you'll enjoy a high level of protection against pregnancy and STDs, as well as a little something extra to enhance pleasure and a sense of fun.

• Silky Smooth Lubricants for Sensual Fun

  With the four included lubricants, you're free to explore and experiment. These lubes have a silky smooth, non-greasy formula that makes them ideal for personal lubricant or pleasure-enhancing mutual use. These lubes also pair well with the Play Ring and are safe to use with condoms. The Tingling and Warmer lubricants provide additional sensations to enhance intimacy, while the Pina Colada and Cherry lubes have sweet, fun flavors and scents to add sexy playfulness to your love life.

• DUREX: From Protection to Satisfaction

  After over 80 years of experience in manufacturing and testing condoms, DUREX is branching out. They're following the natural progression from helping people have safe sex to inspiring people to have better sex. The Connect Ring is a part of the DUREX Play line, designed to add fun, excitement, and a sense of playful discovery to your love life.

• Package Contents

  DUREX Play Vibrations Variety Pack, 9-Count Box.

 
 

 

 

Kenya dolls were apparently (or so HuffPo Black Voices tells me) all the rage in the '90's.  However, I was past dolls by then, and totally missed the memo.

Well, happily these were re-released in 2012-ish, and they're making an appearance at Dollar Tree just in time for my Munchkinface to enjoy them.  I'm hoping they actually make it to my stores - the Beanie Ballz still haven't made an appearance, much to my extreme disappointment. :(

 
 And, they're baaaaack!  Physician's Formula products are back at Dollar Trees and I'm keeping my eyes peeled for the Shimmer Strips 3-in-1 eyeliners (sorry, information about this product online is scarce) and face powders.  I'll be sure to do some Dollar Tree Fave Finds videos and blogs in the future so I can share some of the awesome things I've hauled from this brand (and for just $1!).

These Crayola Pip-Squeaks are absolutely adorable, and otherwise serve no special purpose. So, while I'm still going to be on the look-out for my Munchkinface, just be mindful that these are still just markers.
 
Some details: Pip-Squeaks from both Series 1 and Series 2 have been spotted at Dollar Tree.  I was able to find about 15 different designs online, and I put them all into my YouTube video, so be sure to check that out.
 

This Skintimate shave cream looks promising, but I can't find any reviews online.  So, I did a search on YouTube, and found a happy customer's review video.  The upshot is, there's an exfoliating component to this product that leaves skin feeling nice and smooth. 

Plus $1 for this 6 ounce container is easily the best price I could find upon a brief online search, so I'm going for it if I see it!

Click the photo above to be taken to the Amazon listing.

 

Although my nail strip inventory is incredibly well-stocked, I can't help but add yet another Sally Hansen product to my watch list.  I've used Sally Hansen's Salon Effects strips for years now, and have come to really love them for the ease of application and removal and the huge variety of colors and patterns.  So, I naturally have to at least try her fabric nail strips.  The multi-colored chevron pattern is fun and 70's, and the white lace gives almost a bridal vibe.  I could make those work.  ;)

 

Lastly, these award-winning Yes to Carrots cleansing wipes are now being sold at Dollar Tree (travel size/10-pack only).  I have heard that there may have been a $1 off Yes To coupon floating around; but remember that this is trial size and coupons typically don't apply to these.

I will definitely be purchasing this product if I find it, even though it's not the best savings on this page.  In fact, these retail for just $3 per travel-size pack of ten.  However, I'd really like to compare the effectiveness against my cheapies from Epielle and Global Beauty.

 

 

Those are the highlights!  So, what's on your wish list this week?  Comment below to share your must-finds. :)

Thanks for reading - see you next time!