Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Bare Escentuals Beauty Surprise Collection Unboxing

A couple of weeks ago I received an e-mail from Bare Escentuals telling me they were going to be releasing a Surprise Beauty Box. My understanding is they also did one last year. For $50.00, it said you could get 14 pieces worth $255.00, including an original foundation. I ran out of my Bare Minerals foundation quite awhile ago and have been wanting another, so I figured what the heck, and ordered it!

Overall, I am happy I ordered! I received quite a few things I am excited to use!
I wasn't too happy, though, when I got my shipment confirmation and it told me everything that was in the box! Way to ruin the surprise, BE. But, I was still happy when I read what was contained.

I felt like my order got here pretty quickly, and was actually a couple of days early!

 photo bareescentualsbeautysurprisecollection_zps273322f7.jpg

When I opened the box, it looked like this! I felt like everything was packaged in there very well.

The first thing I pulled out is the Get Started Kit ($60.00 value). The original foundation was also included, and I chose the shade Fairly Light. I've used this shade for a long time so I knew it was the one that I should get!

 photo baremineralscustomizable8piecegetstartedkit_zps7c58b6a2.jpg

 photo baremineralscustomizable8piecegetstartedkit2_zpsc24ed07e.jpg

When I first got into Bare Minerals, I bought a Get Started Kit, but I love that it comes with a Brush Shampoo now! I've never owned a shampoo for brushes specifically (I usually just used baby shampoo), so this will be nice to try out.
The kit came with the brush shampoo, Warmth, Original Foundation in Fairly Light, Original Mineral Veil, a Flawless Face brush, the Full Flawless Face brush, the Max Coverage Concealer brush, and a booklet and CD showing how to use the foundation. I have two concealer brushes and two flawless face brushes from prior purchases, so these I wasn't too excited about. And I'm not a huge fan of warmth, and usually give it to a friend of mine, but I might hang onto this one. We'll see!

 photo baremineralsoriginalmineralveil_zpscbc1ea1a.jpg

 photo baremineralsmineralveilcap_zpsfe883daa.jpg
(I couldn't get a good swatch of Mineral Veil, but it's just a translucent powder.)

 photo baremineralswarmth_zps495debc1.jpg

 photo baremineralswarmthcap_zps49afcf78.jpg

This is all you would need to do your whole face. This is actually probably too much for me.

 photo baremineralswarmthswatch_zps23b1aac8.jpg

It's a little orange-ish on my skin. I'm just not a huge fan of the product, but I still might play with it a bit. It's been quite a few years since I've used it, and I'm a lot better at applying makeup than I was before.

 photo baremineralsfairlylight_zpsecd92620.jpg

Fairly Light is a great match for my skintone, and I've been using it for years! If you've been in my 'What's in my makeup bag?' posts, you would know I've been using the L'oreal Mineral Foundation. And I do really like that and it's comparable, but this is still my absolute favorite powder foundation.

 photo baremineralsfairlylightcap_zpscfb2513b.jpg

This is what I tend to use for my whole face. You really don't need that much. And it does build up if you feel like you need more coverage (which on some days I do, but for the most part I'm just putting on enough to make myself feel a little more covered up).

 photo baremineralsfairlylightswatch_zpsec17c1cc.jpg

I put this on quite heavy to show the swatch, but this is absolutely a match for my skin tone. I just love it!

 photo baremineralsmaxcoverageconcealerbrush_zpsa2c0ec38.jpg

This is a pretty good concealer brush.

 photo baremineralsfullflawlessfacebrush_zpsef214942.jpg

I really like this brush for putting the mineral veil on over my foundation. I feel like it gives the perfect coverage, and it's very soft.

 photo baremineralsflawlessfacebrush_zpsee41be98.jpg

I have three of these now. I sometimes will use it if I want a lighter blush application, but I almost never use it for foundation.


The next thing included in the box is Pure Radiance, which is meant to be put on the high points of the face. I personally really like it for a blush color.
The sample included was considered Extra Small, and the standard size is Medium, which is $19.00. I'm going to guess this sample is probably worth about $10.00, but that is a generous estimate.

 photo baremineralspureradiance_zps62ae4c17.jpg

 photo baremineralspureradianceswatch_zps13967030.jpg

I really, really love this color on myself. I think it's so flattering, and beautiful. I'm so glad this was included in my box- I've actually been wanting to try this for years and just never have purchased it.

The next item is the Flawless Definition Mascara. I've used the Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara, but never the regular version!

 photo baremineralsflawlessdefinitionmascara_zps9f4df2c2.jpg

The box included a 0.16 fl oz sample, and the standard size is 0.33 fl oz, so it was a little less than half of the full size. The standard size is worth $18.00, so I'll say the sample is worth half that- $9.00.

I have used this mascara, and I really enjoy it. It reminds me a lot of the Too Faced Lash Injection mascara, in the way it performs. It really separated my lashes, and it is very black. Not at all like the volumizing, which is more of a subtle black.

The next item included is the Bare Minerals Ready Eyeshadow in the shade "The Phenomenon".

 photo baremineralsreadyeyeshadowthephenomenom_zps1e43de16.jpg

 photo eyeshadowcontents_zps1bc2df7c.jpg

This isn't available on the bareMinerals website, but is available from Sephora and is valued at $20.00. It's a full size, as well!

 photo baremineralsreadyeyeshadowthephenomenom3_zpsc982b770.jpg

 photo baremineralsreadyeyeshadowthephenomenomswatches_zps7e610a17.jpg

I'm not super impressed with Azure Iris- I wore it on my eyes one day and just wasn't impressed with the pigmentation or color. But I really, really like Golden Iris! I used a touch in my crease for a neutral look and it really warmed the whole area up.


The next thing I opened was in it's own package.

 photo baremineralseyekitsurprise_zps0661c719.jpg

It's the bareMinerals Eye Club in The Basics. It includes an eyeshadow brush, and three shadows.

 photo baremineralseyeclubthebasics_zps705bc791.jpg

The colors included are Pearl Sateen, Smoky Sage, and Graphite.

 photo baremineralseyeclubthebasics2_zpsf1e33379.jpg

I can't even find this on sale, but the other kits available on the website are valued at $24.99. I'm not sure if this is an old product, or something that is going to be released soon, but I couldn't find any information at the time of this post.

 photo baremineralssoftfocuseyeshadowbrush_zps650f81ac.jpg

The brush is excellent for blending, especially for the crease.

 photo baremineralsbasicsswatches_zps6733a890.jpg

I enjoy the colors enough, but they're not exactly unique. I think I'll enjoy the Pearl Sateen for a lid color.


The last two products are what I would consider samples- it's not something I would pay for, so it doesn't have a value to me. It is basically something I would get for placing any order, or as a free sample with purchase.

 photo baremineralsreadyfoundationmediumbeige2_zps930d2f89.jpg

I was initially very excited about this sample- I've never tried their Ready foundation and was looking forward to giving it a try. Until I saw the shade they selected for me.

 photo baremineralsreadyfoundationmediumbeige_zps59667582.jpg

What? Didn't I put my skintone preference in for my kit? I sure did! And this definitely isn't it!

 photo baremineralsreadyfoundationmediumbeigeswatch_zps87bc1216.jpg

I think they really dropped the ball on including this sample in this kit. I can't wear this shade, at all. It would have been more beneficial to send me the shade I ordered, so I could actually work with it and see if I'd like to purchase this foundation, instead of the original foundation. Or even in addition to.

The other sample they included was two foil packets of the Naturally Luminous Duo for Combination Skin.

 photo baremineralsnatuallyluminousduo_zpscd363daa.jpg

 photo baremineralspurifyingfacialcleanserpurelynourishingmoisturizer_zps68b38d59.jpg

I haven't used this yet, but I might, however, it's not really enough to give me an idea of how it will work.


Overall, this surprise box had an actual value of $123.99- nowhere near the value of $255.00. I'm sure they considered each piece it's own separate value when quoting this figure, but I value all the pieces as a whole- if it's part of a kit, it gets a kit price. I think they really should have included a full size of the skin care products to up the value.
I do think I will use everything, but I'm not sure that I will be ordering this box again. Even though it is valued for more than I paid, it's not the price I was quoted, so it is a little disappointing.


FTC: I purchased this box with my own money. 

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Book Review: Escaping Reality (The Secret Life of Amy Bensen #1) by Lisa Renee Jones

 photo EscapingReality_zps10f9a242.jpg
(I received this book to review from NetGalley.)

Description from Good Reads 
Infinite possibilities….
Infinite passion…..
Infinite danger….

His touch spirals through me, warm and sweet, wicked and hot. I shouldn’t trust him. I shouldn’t tell him my secrets. But how do I not when he is the reason I breathe? He is what I need.


At the young age of eighteen, tragedy and a dark secret force Lara to flee all she has known and loves to start a new life. Now years later, with a new identity as Amy, she’s finally dared to believe she is forgotten–even if she cannot forget. But just when she lets down her guard, the ghosts of her past are quick to punish her, forcing her back on the run.

On a plane, struggling to face the devastation of losing everything again and starting over, Amy meets Liam Stone, a darkly entrancing recluse billionaire, who is also a brilliant, and famous, prodigy architect. A man who knows what he wants and goes after it. And what he wants is Amy. Refusing to take “no” as an answer, he sweeps her into a passionate affair, pushing her to her erotic limits. He wants to possess her. He makes her want to be possessed. Liam demands everything from her, accepting nothing less. But what if she is too devastated by tragedy to know when he wants more than she should give? And what if there is more to Liam than meets the eyes?
 


My Review 
Let me start off this review by saying this is an erotic novel. There is a lot of sex. There is more sex than plot in this book.  
I didn't do much research on this book- I was just auto-approved to read it when I signed up for NetGalley. So I was a little surprised when all the sex started happening, to say the least.

And then, the comparisons in my head begin. "Oh, wow, this is a lot like Fifty Shades of Grey", I thought to myself. And I continued to think the same thing all throughout the book. Dominant male character, submissive female, worried friend, quick sex, secrets... just so many comparisons.

Not that that is a bad thing- I actually enjoyed the first book of that series (I gave it a four star rating on Good Reads). But this book didn't remind me of the first book in Fifty Shades, it reminded me more of the second. Not as good. But still a three star rating. And then it started to remind me of the third, which I gave a whopping two star review. One of my lowest reviews.

I enjoyed some of Escaping Reality. And not just the sex parts (honestly, I skimmed a lot of that because it was all the same phrasing, and I like a little more variety), but what part of the plot there actually was. I felt at times the plot was only used to drive the sex, which isn't a bad thing, but when you're writing towards a secret (the main character has a new identity, but we don't know why), there should be at least a peak of interest. 
And I lost interest about 60% of the way through when I thought to myself that I would get no answers by the end of this book. And I was right.

I know nothing. I know tiny pieces- I know about Liam's Dad, I get that Lara (aka Amy)'s father was an archaeologist, and something happened with a fire, but I have no clue who it was or what happened that had her parent's killed and her go into hiding. I don't know if Jared (her neighbor), or Meg (secretary at an office she was "hired" to work at) are in on anything, though I have my suspicions they definitely do. We also don't know if Liam really knows anything.

I just wanted a tiny sliver of an answer. And I got nothing! Which is why I don't consider this review to have spoilers- because there really wasn't a lot I could spoil.
With all of this said, I will most likely check out the second book, Infinite Possibilities (The Secret Life of Amy Bensen #2). I do want to know what's going on. It hooked me enough for that. And also, the fact that it's a series of books and you really can't only read one, right??


You can purchase a paperback copy of this book from amazon.com here, or a copy for Kindle by clicking the following link - Escaping Reality (New Adult contemporary Romance) (The Secret Life of Amy Bensen).



FTC: I received this book to review from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This post does contain amazon.com affiliate links. All proceeds from purchases will be put back into this blog to purchase products to review.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Pinspiration: Simple but pretty nail art

I'm sure you all have noticed by now that I love nail polish. I also love nail art. But I am not any kind of artist, and cannot do any kind of nail art at all! So when I look at some of the nail art on pinterest, I typically pin the ones I think I might actually be able to do!
(Of course, if you go on my Beauty pin board, you'll see complex ones, too, but I don't actually think I can do those. I just think they are pretty!)

I have been doing plain nails for too long- I think it's time to try some new stuff! Here are some designs I found on pinterest that I think even I can manage!
(As always, if you click on the picture, it will take you to the pin so you can pin it to your boards. And please visit the blogs the pins come from- support other bloggers!)

 photo polkaheartsnailart_zps81d0274f.jpg

This is cute and seems simple enough! I know to make hearts you basically make three dots and then connect them.


 photo footballseasonnails_zps82d10f6f.jpg

With football season coming up, I can definitely see myself attempting this! I even have a white line polish I can use!


 photo strawcirclenails_zpsb2bfaa1c.jpg

Nail art. With a straw. It doesn't get much more simple than that!


 photo alternatingpolkadotcolornails_zps9ba2707f.jpg

This also seems simple enough- just alternate the base and the dot colors!


 photo fishtailnailart_zpsb83b2046.jpg

A step-by-step guide! I don't even think I can mess this one up!


Hope you all found some inspiration from the above photos! I'm off to paint my nails!!

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

This Month in Nails - August

Here is what I wore on my nails in August.

Orly in Rose Pixel
I bought this at the same time I bought Orly in Mysterious Curse (seen on this post), on sale. This is really similar to Sally Hansen in Time to Shine and Orly's own polish, Rage, but it is more rose gold, and also has some great big circle glitters. I will probably frequently wear this polish, so don't be surprised if it pops up again later!

 photo OrlyRosePixel_zps66d5337e.jpg

I just love how glittery and beautiful it is! I just want it to live on my nails!

 photo OrlyRosePixel2_zps6c3e24cc.jpg

I think this picture shows the bigger glitters better- you can see it at the top of the bottle.

Orly in Sparkling Garbage
This is one of those polishes that I just knew I had to have the minute I saw swatches coming out. For the color, and the name.  Do any of you get as obsessed about polish names as I do? I love a good creative name.

 photo OrlySparklingGarbage_zps4418f1bd.jpg

I cannot get over this polish! This is three coats, but it could have been opaque in two. I just kind of kept going- I was mesmerized by the sparkle!

And my ring finger nail is finally starting to grow out some. Yes!

Avon in Fusion

I used this nail polish last month, but I was looking for something a little more neutral to wear to my first day at my new job- even though I was pretty sure my new boss wouldn't mind a colored polish, you can never be too sure!
Sorry for the crappy picture- I forgot to take one and then as I was going to take it off, I remembered to snap a pic. It was already dark outside, so I couldn't take one in the sun.

 photo AvonFusion_zps582a3a23.jpg

As I stated in last month's post, this color was one of the first I bought when I really started to get into nail polish, and it is still one of my favorites. I just love Avon polishes!

Sally Hansen in Please Sea Me with an accent nail of Sally Hansen Mermaid's Tale

I received Please Sea Me in my Allure Fall Beauty Box, and I couldn't wait to use it! It is unlike any other blue I own, and I own quite a few blues!

 photo SallyHansenPleaseSeaMe_zps34b52ec0.jpg

 photo SallyHansenMermaidsTale_zpsae0696e6.jpg

I really like the color combo of these two, and will probably wear this again at some point. I still want to try Mermaid's Tale over black, as well.

Avon Coral Bikini with an accent nail of China Glaze It's a Trap-eze!

Coral Bikini is a polish that I really should have worn a lot more this summer- it is such a fun, bright color!

 photo avoncoralbikinichinaglazeitsatrap-eze_zps30003bb9.jpg


I made a mistake using It's a Trap-eze! as the accent nail. It didn't work as well as I had hoped it would. It was still cute and fun, but not what I was hoping for.

 photo chinaglazeitsatrap-ezeavoncoralbikini_zps8ced3a7c.jpg

As you can see, I had some major wear problems with this as well- this was taken two days after application. Overall, I was just not pleased with this combo.

Zoya in Aurora

This is probably my favorite polish that I own right now. It's purple, and it's sparkly. And it looks amazing on my nails!

 photo zoyaaurora_zps93a87638.jpg

It has a great formula, wears extremely well (like all of the Zoya polishes I own), and is so freaking beautiful I almost can't stand it.
If I was going to lose all but one of my nail polishes, this would be the one I would decide to keep.


Aurora took me right into the end of August! I'm already planning on trying out some simplish nail art for next month, so look out for that! Thanks for reading!

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Amazon.com Kindle Monthly Book Deals, $3.99 or less for September 2013

Some of you may or may not have a Kindle. I apologize if you don't, but these posts are for anyone with either access to a Kindle or a way to get the app downloaded.

Every month, Amazon sells books for $3.99 or less that typically cost more. I have been able to purchases some really great books from these sales, and always check on the first of the month. I also check their daily deals as often as I can remember.

This month there are six books that I am recommending. I have not read them all (I actually think I've only read one of them), but some I really want to, based on the descriptions and reviews.


Enclave by Ann Aguirre ($2.99 - 70% off print list price)
I only gave this story a 3 star review on Good Reads, but I still liked it enough and want to read the rest of the series. The second book is out, and the third book is coming out in October, which is probably why this is on sale now. The story is a dystopian young-adult novel (which, as I have pointed out before, I love!) about a colony of people that live underground because of "freaks"- which are basically zombies. It mainly revolves around a girl and a guy (don't they always), and them getting kicked out of the colony and having to exist "topside".

Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern ($1.99 - 88% off print list price)
I have not read this book, but I used to read his twitter all the time and thought it was hilarious. And on both Amazon and Good Reads the book has four stars, and the good reviews I've read are extremely helpful (all the bad reviews are about the dad being a jerk- clearly they don't understand the concept of the book).

The Laws of Gravity by Liz Rosenberg ($1.99 - 87% off print list price)
I have not read this book, either, but from all of the reviews I've read on this book, it seems quite similar in style to Jodi Picoult, who I am a huge fan of. The book itself is about a family in which one of the cousins in sick, and the other promised her his babies cord blood, but then takes back the promise, so the other cousin takes him to court. It just seems like such an interesting premise!

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith ($3.99 - 69% off print list price)
I haven't read this book by Grahame-Smith, but I really enjoyed Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, so I might enjoy this. Although, I have never read Pride and Prejudice. But if you have, maybe you'll enjoy this take!

Dairy Queen by Katherine Gilbert Murdock ($1.99 - 78% off print list price)
I've heard such great things about this series of books! I've heard they're great for both young boys and girls, and are a lot of fun. All of the books in the series (there are 3) have four stars on both Amazon and Good Reads. I've heard the main character in the book is very well written and extremely relatable, which is always nice.

Gods, Demigods, and Demons: An Encyclopedia of Greek Mythology by Bernard Evslin ($1.99 - 91% off print list price)
Who doesn't love Greek Mythology? This seems like it would be a good reference guide!




There are 202 other books available, and all of them will be available at reduced prices until the end of September.


FTC: All opinions are my own. This post does not contain any affiliate links, the links are for your reference only. This post is not sponsored by Amazon.com or any subsidiary of Amazon, I just love my Kindle and wanted to share my love of a great deal!

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Extra Post: Book Review: The Anthony Brothers #2 - Lost Love by Harmony Bryce

18361242
(I received this book with no obligation to review from the author)

Description from Amazon.com
It ALL started with spilled champagne...

When Markus Anthony accidentally bumps into the stunning Savannah at his brother's wedding, he gets more than just a soaking wet tuxedo. 

In that instance, a love he believed to be forever lost is sparked anew. 
She's more beautiful than ever, and her kiss sends him into a passionate delirium.

But there's trouble ahead...

Will his foolish ways cause him to lose Savannah once and for all?
And who is the strange man Savannah's been talking to in the middle of the night?


My Review
This was a cute, quick read. And by quick, I mean in length- it's only 57 pages! I am not one to typically read the shorter stories on Amazon, but I think this book changed that.

The book is about Markus and Savannah. They were in a relationship in high school, but broke up, and then reconnected at Markus' brother's wedding. Things quickly escalate, they move in together, Markus gets a promotion at work, and then becomes too busy to spend time with Savannah. Basically, the book deals with them coming together and compromising, and developing their relationship.

For a quick read, it was still very good. I only wish the story was longer so things could be more developed! I want to know more about Savannah and Monique's dance and company they want to run! I want to know even more about the brother's past and how they were adopted! Maybe this is covered in the first story? I'm not sure, but I may have to look into purchasing it to find out!

I thought this book was very real- it felt like I was reading the journal of someone that was relaying someone's real life relationship experiences. And I really enjoy a romance book like that.

If you like a real quick, but fun, read, I highly recommend you check this out. It's $0.99 on amazon.com, so you don't really have much to lose, even if it's not for you. But I think if you enjoy romance novels, this would be right up your alley.


FTC: I received this book from the author with no obligation to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Geek Chic Superneutral Collection Review and Swatches

Geek Chic Cosmetics is an independent makeup brand geared to those of us that live our lives a little on the geeky side. All of the makeup and collections are based off of geek culture. And all the products are gluten free, 100% vegan, cruelty free, irritant avoidant (paraben free, they do not use non-organic preservatives, talc, or bismuth oxyclouride), filler free, they are compliant with all FDA labeling regulations, and, most importantly, they do not repackage and all the formulations are 100% theirs and developed from scratch. They are truly an independent brand.

I first found out about them through a few women I follow on twitter, but I really remember hearing Chloe Dykstra talking about them and loving them. I went on their website and started reading their collections, and I just fell in love, but couldn't get myself to pull the trigger to buy. Until I saw that their Supernatural themed collection, Superneutrals, was on sale. Then I knew I had to at least try it! I LOVE Supernatural. It is one of my favorite shows currently running on television. If you're not familiar with the show, you might not understand how they came up with the names for the products, but that's okay. I don't think you have to be an actual fan of any of the things they do collections for to really enjoy their products, because, as you will see below, the quality is outstanding!
But being a fan of geeky things, I get a kick out of knowing my entire eye looks are sometimes completely due to someone else's inspiration from one of my favorite shows. They also sell blushes, foundations, and nail polish. I am anxious to try some of those, but have not yet purchased any. But you can bet I will be, after trying and loving this collection.

Now, on to the pictures!

All descriptions of the products below were copied directly from the Geek Chic website, to ensure accuracy. 

 photo geekchicsuperneutrals_zps2cafe3b9.jpg
The Superneutrals Collection contains 10 eye shadows and 1 glitter based on the television show, Supernatural, which currently airs on The CW. The description from the website says it all - "Grab the salt and iron, we've got work to do. Just remember: driver picks the music, shotgun shuts their cakehole." All of the eyeshadows are loose pigments, and can be used wet or dry.

The Righteous Man

 photo geekchicsuperneutralstherighteousman_zps983ef628.jpg


Description: The Righteous Man is a cool-toned chartreuse with bright golden fire and shimmer. A particularly great color for brown eyes.
Who is this based on from the show?: Dean, one of the two Winchester brothers. Did I mention I love him, and want to have all of his babies? And by him, I mean Dean. Not the actor that plays him, but actually Dean. I know, I'm a little nuts!

 photo geekchicsuperneutralstherighteousman2_zps653e2246.jpg

 photo geekchicsuperneutralstherighteousman3_zps805f1f84.jpg
(the left side is dry, the right is wet - no primer used)

First of all, I almost have to like this color solely because it is based on Dean. He is my favorite of the two brothers, and I just love his character. Like... I love him. I would leave my husband for him. Of course, it would only be for one night, and then he'd be off to save the world again. But I digress. I also love this color because it is one of the most flattering shades of green that I own, and I think it's due to the shimmer. Both wet and dry, it's a wonderful texture.

Morningstar

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsmorningstar_zps49d1309e.jpg


Description: Morningstar is a glitzy nude, golden-brown that is dripping in a blanket of micro diamond shimmer. This color is a fantastic color for the browbone, or even a soft dusting on the apple of your cheeks.
Who is this based on from the show?: I believe it is based on Lucifer, and Sam, and their relationships with their brothers (Michael and Dean, respectively).

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsmorningstar2_zpsf27ab3bf.jpg

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsmorningstar3_zpsde64b3f8.jpg
(the left side is dry, the right is wet - no primer used)

This is the one shade in the collection that I have used the most. I love it both for a highlight and a lid color. I am obviously very pale, and it is an extremely easy color to wear. I won't keep going on and on about the texture of these products, because it is always the same- buttery, and so easy to use either wet or dry.

The Trickster

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsthetrickster_zpsd568e654.jpg


Description: The Trickster is a dewy golden tan with golden fire and subtle shimmer. This color is good for giving your eyes a bright, dewy look. 
Who is this based on from the show?: Gabriel

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsthetrickster2_zps84f44243.jpg

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsthetrickster3_zps18172c7b.jpg
(the left side is dry, the right is wet - no primer used)

This is an amazing lid color for my skin tone, and I actually prefer this one dry over wet. I think it blends so easily and looks good with anything I combine with it, regardless of brand or type of shade. If you only buy one shade from this entire collection, I recommend this one.

Most Loyal

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsmostloyal_zpsa2b2056d.jpg


Description: Most Loyal is a rich Maroon that leans a little rusty that has a velvety finish and soft shimmer.
Who is this based on from the show?:
Ruby. That bitch.

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsmostloyal2_zps7b8dcf74.jpg

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsmostloyal3_zps1c16c5a7.jpg
(the left side is dry, the right is wet - no primer used)

Truthfully, I have only used this shade a few times, and pretty much only as an eyeliner. I really do like the shade, and it performs fabulously wet, I just haven't really played with it too much. I think it's time to start, though, because in swatching it, I realized how much I really love it, and that it would be a great outer corner color!

Fallen

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsfallen_zps3adc8e68.jpg


Description: Fallen is a soft and shimmery powder blue with a sprinkling of iridescent glitters. Looks gorgeous in soft lighting.
Who is this based on from the show?: Anna. Who is quite possibly one of my favorite characters as well. The scene between her and Dean in the car... oh. my. god.

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsfallen3_zps002247d9.jpg

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsfallen5_zps9e4a5f09.jpg
(the left side is dry, the right is wet - no primer used)

I have no real opinions about this because I actually had not even opened it prior to taking these pictures. See?

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsfallen2_zps93c29c25.jpg

And then I spilled it everywhere. But, thankfully, there is still plenty left! I really want to play with this shade, I think it's really beautiful, and I actually can't believe I had not even opened it before!

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsfallen4_zps2eb26a14.jpg
(*sigh* ... I'm such a klutz. At least I was outside.)

Angel of Thursday

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsangelofthursday_zps694f3ee9.jpg


Description: Angel of Thursday is a velvety greyed-taupe with a soft copper heat and subtle shimmer.
Who is this based on from the show?:
Castiel. Of course!

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsangelofthursday2_zps83b17eb7.jpg
(You can really see the shimmer coming through this picture! Love it!)

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsangelofthursday3_zpsfab2b7b0.jpg
(the left side is dry, the right is wet - no primer used)

I really enjoy this shade. It's unlike anything else that I have. It's beautiful all over the lid, and actually more subtle than it is coming off in the swatches, especially when used dry.

Idjits

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsidjits_zpsb27f58e9.jpg


Description: Idjits is a rich russet ochre with tons of gorgeous golden-green shimmer and sparkle. Idjits goes on very opaque and has great coverage.
Who is this based on from the show?: Bobby, another favorite of mine, and pretty much everyone that watches the show.

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsidjits2_zpsccaf9555.jpg

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsidjits3_zpsb77e480b.jpg
(the left side is dry, the right is wet - no primer used)

This is not my favorite color to use dry, but wet. it is absolutely gorgeous, and as the description above states, it is very opaque. It is perfect for a smokey eye, and blends beautifully.

Born Under a Bad Sign

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsbornunderabadsign_zpsfc50d026.jpg


Description: Born Under A Bad Sign is a plush mahogany brown with a copper fire and bursts of beautiful blue sparkle.
Who is this based on from the show?: Sam, the other Winchester brother.

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsbornunderabadsign2_zps1609b318.jpg

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsbornunderabadsign3_zpsd339e0af.jpg
(the left side is dry, the right is wet - no primer used)

You can really see the sparkle in this one, and the blue makes this shade so unique! I have worn this on the lid, and the shimmer catches the light beautifully. It would probably look amazing at a club with lights everywhere. I'll have to try that next time I go out!

Baby

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsbaby_zpsd76539f5.jpg


Description: Baby is a semi-matte, deep toned black with very little shimmer. Makes a fantastic eyeliner and crease color.
Who is this based on from the show: The Impala, Dean's car. That beautiful, wonderful car.

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsbaby3_zps81471a4c.jpg

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsbaby2_zpsb9de6b27.jpg
(the left side is dry, the right is wet - no primer used)

I use this color all the time to tightline. It applies so smoothly, and wears beautifully throughout the day. If you're looking for a great black to add to your collection, I recommend it!

King of Hell

 photo geekchicsuperneutralskingofhell_zps08f48b68.jpg


Description: King of Hell is a luscious charcoal base with reddish-pink fire and pops of red and orange sparkle. Very good for a truly smoky eye.
Who is this based on from the show?: Crowley. Who is also one of my favorites! I know, he's basically the villain, but I can't help it- the actor that plays him is just so great!

 photo geekchicsuperneutralskingofhell2_zps1f82bb0f.jpg

 photo geekchicsuperneutralskingofhell3_zpsdbae9cd7.jpg
(the left side is dry, the right is wet - no primer used)

I have a love/hate relationship with this shade. I love the color, but the sparkle gets everywhere. I am still trying to figure out the best way to prevent this from happening- even wet it kind of flies all over my face. On the plus side, it only falls out when I'm applying it, not throughout the day, so as long as I do a good cleanup when I'm done applying, and wait to put on my foundation after (which I pretty much do, anyway), I am good to go.

Rock Salt

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsrocksalt_zpsc5621883.jpg


Description: Rock Salt is a super luxe combination of micro diamond-like natural glitter mixed with gorgeous silver glitter. It glitters like a handful of crushed diamonds.
Who is this based on from the show?: It's not based on a character, but it is used a lot in the show! From the GeekChic website: "Don't ask us why Rock Salt protects you from demons and ghosts. It just does. Trust us."

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsrocksalt2_zpsdca44fb7.jpg

HOLY SPARKLE, BATMAN!

 photo geekchicsuperneutralsrocksalt3_zps202ee42f.jpg
(This is over Crave by Urban Decay. If I was smart, I would've put it over Baby, but I didn't. I failed.)

I have only used this once, and it looks on your eyelids just as it does in the package. If you're looking for a super glittery shadow, this is it!
One word of warning- it does kind of get everywhere. I had sparkle all over me. But it cleans up very well, so I feel like it's worth it to use it! I just don't go many places where I would need to use it often. Maybe I need to change that.


Overall, I am super impressed with this collection, and I highly recommend it, even if you're not into the show. I think the colors are so unique and beautiful, and are very easy to use. They are all neutrals, but with a twist, which as a neutral loving girl, I can get behind! Sometimes we like a little extra in our every day, even if it's not crazy bright.

You can purchase the complete Superneutrals collection from the Geek Chic website, or the colors individually by going to that shades individual page.

I highly recommend checking out their facebook fan page- they have recently been posting pictures of their upcoming collection, and it appears to be Harry Potter themed! Bye, money!!!


FTC: I purchased this collection with my own money. I am not affiliated with Geek Chic cosmetics. All thoughts and opinions are my own.