Too Faced Peanut Butter and Jelly Palette Review

The long awaited Peanut Butter and Jelly Palette has finally come.  I think that it was well worth the wait.  Too Faced has been on top of their game with product releases this year alone.  Lets get into the details.  So, this PB&J palette retails for 36.00 USD like all other 9 pan palettes from Too Faced.  The palette has 3 mattes and 6 shimmer eyeshadows.  The rows are notated on the left to describe the look if you use the three shadows on that row.  Of course, you can use the shadows however you like.

The palette was inspired by the infamous peanut butter shade from the Semi Sweet palette.  The color payoff is great on all of the shadows except for Jelly.  I know, I know...I love purple too and it sucks that the worst color is one of the prettiest in the palette.  The color payoff is not great on Jelly and you will definitely have to use some fix+ or something similar to help the shadow stick and become more vibrant.  Similar to the chocolate palette series, this palette does, in fact, smells like peanut butter.  Too Faced also states that the product does not contain peanuts for those with peanut allergies.  The packaging is super cute, and this palette is a great travel palette.  I think that Too Faced did a great job with the color selection.  I wish there was a darker outer corner color but hey they had 9 slots...I can live with that.  I cannot put this palette down.  Did you pick up this palette?  Stay FABULOUS!



Check out some of my looks below.

MAC X Star Trek Coming September 2016

MAC is about to make themselves very famous soon.  Star Trek fans from all over will be coming out of hiding to get this collection.  I can't wait to see more product details.  Get ready!  Stay FABULOUS!

Kate Somerville Exfolikate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash Review

This is the first Kate Somerville product that I am trying beyond just a two day sample.  Kate Somerville's products are not new to the market but they are now receiving increasing buzz.  Acne and oily skin beauties have been raving about her products, so I thought that I would give it a try.  Here is write up on the Kate Somerville Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash per Sephora:

Reveal softer, smoother skin while gently cleansing away oil, makeup, and surface impurities with this creamy cleanser. Based on Kate’s bestselling ExfoliKate®, this formula contains a duo of AHA’s—glycolic and lactic acids—and pineapple, pumpkin, and papaya enzymes to purify without over-drying, leaving skin fresh, soft, and conditioned. For all skin types, this cleanser maximizes the benefits of ExfoliKate Exfoliating Treatment to help maintain a glowing complexion between uses. 

The cleanser is what I would call gentle.  It does not leave the skin feeling dry or abrasive, but your skin feels soft and moisturized.  It creates a great lather and the consistency is very lightweight, whipped-like.  This cleanser does a great job of removing makeup and impurities.  My acne comes in waves...I call them angry spells.  I have had minimal breakouts since using this cleanser for the last 4 weeks.  I have also been using this product in conjunction with the Kate Somerville ExfoilKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment.  A review is to come about this product later.

So, why did it take me so long to try this product?  The price.  Kate Somerville products are not cheap.  The cleanser retails for 38.00 USD.  It's not much more than the Murad cleanser that I was purchasing.  But, I often could purchase Murad on sale from many different places.  I cannot say the same for Kate Someville products.  They had a great deal at Sephora which included a full size cleanser (4 oz) and exfoliating treatment for (0.5 oz) 50.00 USD.  This set is still currently available on Sephora.com.  I feel as though this product is worth the price...even though I wish I could find something more cost effective.  Kate Somerville has several products geared to several different skin concerns:  aging, acne, uneven skin.  I look forward to trying more products.  Stay FABULOUS!


Why Can't I Get My Hands On The Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette!

 

I have not had any luck with this palette! Am I the only one that is frustrated that this palette keeps selling out in literally minutes!  The Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette originally released on March 17 on TooFaced.com.  The palette has sold out twice within minutes.  Each time that I tried to order, the website shut down because of the volume.  I did not have nearly as much trouble with the PB&J palette from Too Faced.  

Honestly what has me intrigued is the peach and purple hues...and that I am a Georgia girl!  Ulta.com released the palette with no advance warning or special access to platinum members.  The palette sold out in minutes.  There was also a release on HSN.com!  Again no advance warning...not even from Jerrod Blandino.  The palette was originally supposed to release in stores in late March, but the date was pushed back to April.  The palette is expected to be available in Ulta stores on April 7th.  

Like many, I am now starting to wonder if this was all done to increase sales and hype for the product.  The product keeps getting released with no warning and very little stock.  Many Youtubers have been sent this product long before it's release.  Now everyone is dying to the the palette.  So, after the chocolate collection releases, wouldn't Too Faced plan in advance for a large clientele?  Of course, many love the colors.  But, faithful reviewer, Temptalia ( Temptalia.com ), states that this is a another dupable palette and the colors lack luster. The story is slowly getting out that the palette is not all that it is hyped up to be.  I love my PB&J palette....but Too Faced is known to have better quality in the 9 pan palettes.

I am starting to second guess purchasing this palette when it FINALLY releases again.  It may be more as a collector's item than a wearable palette unfortunately.  But, we will see how it goes.  I have not gotten my hands on it yet.  Did you snag the Sweet Peach palette?  What are your thoughts?  Stay FABULOUS!

*Update:  There has been another unannounced release of the palette on Sephora.com today.  Of course, you guessed it...it's sold out already. Ugh!

Tea Time: My Beauty Education and Gratis is Lacking

This post is not to meant to slander the Sephora or JC Penney name.  I am just speaking my mind and acknowledging some observations.  Just a few thoughts on the differences between Sephora stores.

First off, there is a pretty big differences between the freestanding Sephora and Sephora Inside JC Penney.  The obvious difference is the types of products available.  The freestanding Sephora carries a larger amount of brands.  But, there is a big training curve between the two stores as well...freestanding Sephora members get a lot more training.  They have brand reps that come and train members as well as education classes to update employees on new products.  Sephora Inside JC Penney has training videos each month and an educator visits each month to go over what was in the video for a couple of hours on the floor.  The training is can be a little distracting on the floor.  You may have customers needing assistance during the training session.  Also, we are not all present at once, so the educator often repeats the same thing over and over for several hours which can cause some information to be missed.  I expected a lot more beauty education just based on the training employees say that they receive on YouTube.  But, I was wrong... There are basic training sessions plus specialized training sessions that some employees are able to attend plus brand rep visits in the freestanding store.  My store lacks all of those.

Just like many other places that meet with brand reps, you get free products.  Theses are extra goodies in addition to your basic gratis.  JC Penney Sephoras do not get brand reps often.  So, we do not get to try all the new awesome brands like others.  Often times, we try brands and products that are not new releases.  Do NOT get me wrong, I love free makeup and products!  But, I thought the purpose of the gratis was to of course gift your employees but to give them access to new products or different products that they would not normally buy to improve the selling experience.  But, do keep in mind that that freestanding stores do not include JC Penney Sephora workers as employees.  We are JC Penney employees.  So, I am sure there are some politics as to difference in training and gratis. 

I love my store and what I do.  I have learned some great things on the floor already.  Hopefully, we will continue to move in the direction of growth.  Have you ever worked for a beauty company?  Did you notice differences between stores?  Based on area? Size?  Stay FABULOUS!

The Original Makeup Eraser Review

I really do not want to say that I spent 20.00 USD on a washcloth...but I think that I did.  I have been wanting to try the Makeup Eraser for a while.  A few of my coworkers received this in gratis, and I wish that I had too because I am not completely impressed.  Upon opening the package, my first impression was that the Makeup Eraser closely resembled a terrycloth washcloth.  It comes with detailed instructions for wash and maintenance.    See what the company has to say about the product:

 "Remove smear-proof, waterproof makeup and mascara with The Original MakeUp Eraser®. Free of chemicals, this makeup remover gets rid of all types of makeup, including stage, sports, and theatrical makeup. Each cloth will last a thousand washes, and you only need to add warm water and then remove makeup. This ultra-soft, woven polyester-blend cloth gets rid of tough makeup without leaving behind a residue—just a fresh, healthy feeling."

The claim is true that with warm water and the cloth, you can remove all of your makeup.  It did a decent job...yes decent.  I have used the cloth several times now, and it leaves an unclean feeling or a film of makeup still on my skin.  The main claim to fame is the fact that the cloth is supposed to clean so well without chemicals or other products leaving no makeup residue.  But, there is a residue.  I feel as though my Neutrogena wipes do a better job at removing makeup...my face feels more clean.  My other concern is how travel friendly is traveling with a damp cloth to remove my makeup?  I know you are just supposed to wet one corner, but it's like a true washcloth and it holds water.  So, this wound not be ideal for traveling.  I think it works well for home because I can save on the cost of makeup wipes and use the cloth...but my makeup wipes are better suited for travel.  I think the 20.00 USD price tag is a little steep too.  Possibly a price in the early to mid teens would be more appealing.  Overall, it serves its purpose...as a washcloth.  Not a miracle makeup remover.  Have you tried the Makeup Eraser?  Stay FABULOUS!

Attention Oily Girls! Stay Matte All Day (My Oily Skin Foundation Routine)

So, if you have been following me for a while, you will know that I struggle with oily skin.  I have a couple of favorite foundations and powders, but very few can hold up for 6-8 hours or more. I have tried so many products over the years.  But, finally I have found a combination that lasts throughout the day with two to three blots per day.  That's extremely good for me!

Warning:  this application and coverage may be a bit much for some but it works for me.  I tried Kat Von D Foundation in the past, and I felt like it was too much makeup for me.  Then within the last 6 months, I revisited the product.  But instead of using a brush for application, I used a beauty blender.  Bingo!  I have been hooked on this foundation since.  My preference for the best coverage is to use Kat Von D Lock It Liquid foundation as well as the Lock It Powder foundation.  Kat Von D is known for her coverage and longevity, and this combo is solid contender for just that.

For my lighter or shorter makeup days, I still enjoy using my Lancome Teint Idol 24H foundation and Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation.  Becca Ultimate Coverage Complexion Creme is one of my favorite summer high end coverage foundations.  I follow the same steps as the Kat Von D just without the Kat Von D liquid foundation.

Make Up For Ever Step 1 Mattifying primer has been my saving grace.  I feel as though it is the most mattifying...even over Becca's ever matte primer.  I actually mix and wear both primers. More oil control where I need it and vise versa. What's your never fail beauty routine? Stay FABULOUS.