13 Quick and Easy Costumes from your Closet

HIPPIE

As someone who loves 70s fashion, I could easily create a costume with just the stuff from my closet.  Even if you don’t love 70s fashion, you could do this.  All you really need is a tie-dye shirt.  Though, I remember reading somewhere that tie-dye was actually more popular in the early 80s.  Also anything with fringe, that was popular at the time too.

WITCH

Coco Chanel once said that every woman needs a little black dress.  It’s time to pull your’s out.  The trend of every woman ‘having’ a little black dress will come in handy after you pick up a cheap witch’s hat from the store.  Or maybe you already have a hat for whatever reason.  Grab your broom for a little added fun.

GHOST

Dress all in white or cover yourself with a sheet.  Don’t forget to scare your friends by saying boo and moan a lot as you walk along.  Remember that makeup will really tie this costume together.

COWBOY OR COWGIRL

Any old shirt and pair of jeans will be perfect for a cowfolk look.  If you can find an inexpensive cowboy hat, it’ll be perfect.  A pair of cowboy boots can be super expensive, but if you happen to already own a pair it’ll definitely work.

THIEF

Dress all in black.  Perhaps you have a ski mask or can make your own mask out of a piece of black fabric.  You could also draw on the mask with eyeliner or pick up an inexpensive one from a local store.  Perhaps you could carry around a sack of ‘loot’ with you everywhere you go.

SUPERHERO

This latest trend of superheroes means that many people already have a super shirt hanging in their closet.  A perfect last minute costume, throw on the shirt and be ready to save the holiday season.

PRINCESS

I’ve seen a lot of stores selling tiaras lately.  I picked up an inexpensive one from Walmart a few years ago and wore it for my birthday.  Wear a nice dress and your tiara and just see how many compliments you get.

BUTTERFLY

All you need is a pair of butterfly wings that you can find in a lot of stores this time of year.  Dress all in black or brown and throw on your wings.  Just remember that the wings can really dig in your skin and they can feel quite cumbersome.

POISON IVY

All you really need is a simple green dress.  If you can find a string of ivy in the flower department, you can wrap it around your neck like a scarf.  If you have red hair, it’s even more perfect.  Have a friend dress up as Harley Quinn and you will have the perfect BFF costumes.

CAT

It’s usually not hard to find cat ears (or some other kind of animal) at a store around Halloween.  I have some I bought a few years ago at Target.  Dress up as a cute animal and you’ll be the star of the show.

CLARK KENT AND/OR LOIS LANE

If you’ve got on your suit and tie, you can go around interrogating friends and making deadlines with Perry White breathing down your neck.  Just dress nice and have a notebook.  And if you’re going as Clark and you have a superman t-shirt, even better.

POPSTAR

A toy microphone and you can literally wear anything out of your closet.  You can be Taylor Swift or Lady Gaga.  You could be Carrie Underwood or Katy Perry.  You don’t even have to sing but you can if you want.

ARTIST

As an actual artist, I own a lot of paints.  But you can use what you’ve got.  Put some paint on your skin and an old shirt.  Carry around a palette and claim to be the latest Van Gogh.

6 Lipsticks Perfect for Halloween

Maybelline, ColourPop, Mac, Bh Cosmetics
What's your perfect Halloween shade?

GHOST

Brand:  ColourPop

Shade:  Mr. Blonde

Price:  $6.00

Website:  https://colourpop.com/collections/ultra-matte-lip

This soft blue will give you perfect ghost lips.  You can walk around giving people the blue kiss of death or just rock out in this extreme color.  My friend went to a Halloween party as a ghost a few years ago, she used a frosty blue eyeliner on her lips.  It looked amazing and tied the whole thing together.  Unfortunately, the eyeliner had worn off by the time we got to the party and she didn’t bring the eyeliner with her.  You won’t have to worry about that with this ColourPop lipstick, it will stay put.  Alternatively, try bh Cosmetics Pop Art in Zap.

Hard Candy Wisteria

WITCH

Brand:  Hard Candy

Shade:  Wisteria

Price:  $6.00

Website:  https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hard-Candy-Velvet-Mousse-Matte-Lip-Color-Wisteria-0.23-oz/50651002?action=product_interest&action_type=title&item_id=50651002&placement_id=irs-106-t1&strategy=PWVAV&visitor_id&category=&client_guid=0d23cd7a-11d5-4766-a680-130e8bdd47d5&customer_id_enc&config_id=106&parent_item_id=50651127&parent_anchor_item_id=50651127&guid=7e78480f-10e3-4b6d-ad18-59e88db51d7f&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&beacon_version=1.0.1&findingMethod=p13n

This gothy purple shade is absolutely perfect for a witch.  It’s my darkest shade.  This liquid lipstick can go on patchy and you can see your lips through it but with a little work and patience it can be the lipstick that ties the whole look together.  Alternatively, try using ColourPop’s Lycee.  It’s not as dark but it’s easier to apply.

Maybelline Gilded Rose on the Lips
(And it's so much more sparkly in person)

FAIRY

Brand:  Maybelline

Shade:  Gilded Rose (Color Tattoo)

Price:  $9.99

Website:  https://www.maybelline.com/eye-makeup/eyeshadow/color-tattoo-eye-chrome/gilded-rose

Okay, so this is actually meant to be used for your eyes, but it could totally work as a liquid lipstick.  It’s rather dry but this product will give you a fairy dust sparkle on your lips.  I wouldn’t recommend using this if you're going to be eating and drinking a lot because I’m fairly certain it would just flake off but it gives an otherworldly effect to your lips.  Alternatively, try the Too Faced Metallic Melted or another sparkly shade.

HIPPIE

Brand:  ColourPop

Shade:  Ouiji or Pacific

Price:  $6.00

Website:  https://colourpop.com/collections/ultra-matte-lip

So hippie makeup can go one of two ways.  You can either go super natural or super fun, playing with all kinds of colors.  Natural is more of an everyday kind of thing.  Even if you’re  a natural girl, don’t be afraid to play around a bit.  Try using an orange toned lipstick, I know it’s the first thing I think of when I think of hippie makeup.  Try Ouiji or Pacific from ColourPop.  You can pair this with a blue eyeshadow and remember that blue eyeshadow was supposed to be the hottest thing this year.

Mac Saint Germaine

PRINCESS

Brand:  Mac

Shade:  Saint Germaine

Price:  $17

Website:  http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/13854/310/products/makeup/lips/lipstick/lipstick#/shade/Saint_Germain

Nothing screams princess like the perfect pink lipstick.  Go for a sweet, innocent look.  A natural or neutral eye paired with your perfect pink.  Mac’s Saint Germaine is my perfect and favorite pink lipstick but I know that it wouldn’t work for everyone.  Just pink the color that’s right for you or pick a bold pink and go outside of your comfort zone.

VAMPIRE

Brand:  Maybelline

Shade:  Partner in Crimson (Colorblur)

Price:  $8.99

Website:  https://www.maybelline.com/lip-makeup/lip-color/lip-studio-colorblur-matte-pencil/partner-in-crimson

Who doesn’t want to be this creature of the night?  Strong and beautiful.  Fast and unaging.  Fun and scary.  Nothing says vampire like a vampy dark red lip.  Partner in Crimson from Maybelline is the perfect dark red lip.  It’s the darkest red I’ve got and my favorite.  I absolutely love these deep Crimson shades.

Clinique Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick Dupes

Clinique Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick Dupes

I decided to go through my Clinique collection to try and find dupes of them, comparing them to my Maybelline collection.  I own five of these but I was only able to dupe four.  Beauty (a pink nude shade) was not easy to dupe as I don’t own that many nude lipsticks.  I thought it looked similar to a Mac lipstick that I have but because it was limited edition, I didn’t add it too this list.

Left to Right:  Clinique Petal, Maybelline Pink Sugar, and Maybelline Ravishing Rose

Petal (Clinique)

Compare to:

Ravishing Rose (Maybelline Matte)

Pink Sugar* (Maybelline Matte)

Petal seemed similar to both Ravishing Rose and Pink Sugar, depending on the lighting.  The two colors mixed together would probably be a closer match to Petal then them individually.  Purchasing the Maybelline lipsticks individually will still be cheaper than buying one Clinique lipstick.  Out of the three, my favorite is Pink Sugar.

Left to Right:  Clinique Magenta and Maybelline Mesmerizing Magenta
Clinique Crimson and Maybelline Siren in Scarlet

Magenta (Clinique)

Compare to:

Mesmerizing Magenta (Maybelline Matte)

These two are almost identical.  The Maybelline one is a little more purple while the Clinique one is a little more pink.  Personally, I find the Maybelline one more of a magenta while the Clinique one is more of a hot pink.

Crimson (Clinique)

Compare to:

Siren in Scarlet (Maybelline Matte)

These two are the most identical.  The Clinique one is a smidge more blue-toned while the Maybelline one is slightly pink by comparison.  They are similar colors, but I never wear reds and I certainly don’t need both of these.

Left to Right:  Clinique Plum, Maybelline Brazen Berry, and Maybelline Berry Boss

Plum (Clinique)

Compare to:

Brazen Berry (Maybelline Petal Rebel)

Berry Boss* (Maybelline Matte)

In the initial swatches, I thought Plum and Brazen Berry looked the most similar but upon further comparison they look nothing alike.  I almost forgot about the Bolds collection but I’m so glad I compared these two.  Plum is a little lighter than Berry Boss.  They would look more alike on the lips than the swatches.  You could easily apply Berry Boss with a lighter touch and get a less intense look.

Clinique Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick Review

Clinique Long Last Soft Matte Lipsticks

I got five of these lipsticks for Christmas.  These came as part of a set:  Beauty (nude), Petal (pink), Magenta (magenta/hot pink), Crimson (red), and Plum (purple).  It’s nice that you get a lipstick in every shade.  I personally like pastel shades and none of these have that essential pastel coloring.

Clinique Soft Matte Lipstick Swatches
Top:  Beauty (Nude) and Petal (Pink)
Bottom:  Magenta, Crimson, and Plum

These don’t have much of a smell.  I find that odd but I know a lot of people will really like the fact that these don’t have a scent.  As for the formula, it’s not awful but it’s also not the best.  I thought these were a little too thin for my taste.  They are a lightweight option, but I would prefer something a little heavier.  Something that showed up a little better.

Beauty and Petal are so similar in color.  Beauty is a pinkish nude shade.  It would be an absolutely perfect nude for pale skin tones.  Petal is a soft lip-like pink shade.  Beauty is also the thinnest of the five.

They seem to last okay but they would probably need more trial before a gave an opinion on that.  I don’t need them in my collection so I think I’m going to get rid of them in my upcoming lipstick decluttering.  I think I like my Maybelline Matte lipsticks better and my ColourPop Liquid Lipsticks have better pigmentation.  Those are both cheaper and I would recommend them over this.

New In Makeup -- Christmas 2016

MAC

Mac Nutcracker Sweet
Christmas Holiday 2016

Mac Nutcracker Sweet

I’m hoping that Mac is going to do some adorable things for Christmas 2016.  Judging by the pictures, I’m not seeing anything super spectacular.  However, I do love the pictures and the adorable little Nutcrackers so I still have hope that Mac hasn’t let us down.  As well as Mac sells, I don’t have any worries that they’ll go out of business this Christmas.

LANCOME

Lancome Audacity in London Palette
Christmas Holiday 2016

The new Audacity palette looks amazing.  The Paris palette faced some horrible reviews and definitely wasn’t worth the price but perhaps this palette will have fixed the problems of the previous palette.  I’m loving the sparkle and I know those shades will really make green eyes pop.

URBAN DECAY

Urban Decay Full Spectrum Palette
Christmas Holiday 2016

This beautiful palette has a wonderful assortment of colors.  It seems to have everything you’ll ever need.  Unfortunately, I bought the Spectrum Palette last year and don’t think that I really need both.  To be honest, I’ve only used the Spectrum Palette twice.  I really haven’t been super impressed with the Urban Decay shades.  To me, they are only okay.

Urban Decay Vice Palettes
Christmas Holiday 2016

Urban Decay is doing a lot in the lipstick scene.  Not only have they just released 100 lipsticks, they also have just released 2 lip palettes.  These aren’t really my thing but they can be easily applied with the help of a lip brush and can also be easily mixed together.  I love that they have a cover to keep the product off the mirror.  Just don’t leaves these in the car.

ESSENCE

Essence Box
Christmas Holiday 2016

I wanted a more affordable item on this list for those who like to spend more practical amounts on their makeup.  Essence is an inexpensive brand whose products have impressed me.  This seems to contain items that will work and be liked by a variety of people.

SMASHBOX

Smashbox
Christmas Holiday 2016

With this Smashbox collection, you get six lipsticks and their mattifying top coat.  I don’t believe that I really see a great pink in this collection and when it comes to lipstick I’m definitely a pink girl.  I really want their lipstick in pout and their Insta-Matte is amazing (I’ve reviewed it on this blog).

TOO FACED

Too Faced New York
Holiday Christmas Collection 2016

This is hardly going to be the only thing in the Too Faced Christmas collection but it is the only thing I could find a picture that showed the product.  I had planned on making a habit of collecting the Christmas palettes, but last year’s wasn’t so great.  Most people took their’s back, but I do still have mine.  This year’s doesn’t really call to my heart.

BOBBI BROWN

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Palette
Christmas Holiday 2016

I don’t really like these but I do know that they are super popular.  These have such a variety of uses and you could really use them all over your face.  You get three types of shades and a nice sized mirror.

MARC JACOBS

Marc Jacobs
Christmas Holiday 2016

These colors look a bit muted for my personal taste but I know a lot of ladies love these shades and look great in them.  Marc Jacobs usually releases something like this around this time of year and they’re always well received.  The eyeshadows are nice quality but they are relatively small in size.

These are only a few of the things coming out this holiday season.  This has been such a big year in makeup.  Mac and Urban Decay have both redone their lipsticks.  Bite and Smashbox have been doing new things in lipstick.  Lime Crime has said goodbye to their Unicorn Lipsticks.  And I’m sure things have happened in eyeshadow and blush.  I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and get everything you need.

Noxzema: Is it the Same?

Noxzema Anti-Bacterial Lathering Cleanser vs. Noxzema Ultimate Clear Daily Deep Pore Cleanser
New Name and Formula but is it the Same?

Noxzema recently broke our hearts by repackaging and reformulating all of their products.  Their antibacterial cleanser had been a long time favorite of mine.  I had used it for about thirteen years and recommended it countless times.  It was the only thing that ever really worked for me and I wasn’t sure what I could possibly do without it.

The Noxzema Ultimate Clear Daily Deep Pore Cleanser is the new name of the Noxzema Anti-Bacterial Lathering Cleanser.  Clearly, they couldn’t find a (new) shorter name to go along with their new formula.  I was a little worried to find out that they had changed the old tried and true formula for a new formula.  New and Improved Formula is probably a phrase that strikes fear into consumers everywhere.

I’ve got to say, the formula performs just as beautiful as it always has.  I have not noticed a change since switching from one to the other.  This is still the best face wash on the market.  I still swear by it and recommend it to anyone who wishes to keep their skin clear.  Unfortunately, it isn’t carried in any local stores and I’ve had to order it online.  So, availability could be better.  I’ll order it though because it is simply the best.  I’ll include a link below so that you can buy it.

To be honest, I’m not sure what their instructions are or even if there are any, but I have my own steps to follow.  I lather it up by adding water and apply it to a wet face.  I massage it into my skin as best I can and then let it sit for about five minutes.  I then wash it off.  I always notice a smoother surface on my face and it even helps remove some makeup that’s left behind from normal removal.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Noxzema-Ultimate-Clear-Bacteria-Fighting-Cleanser-6-oz-Pack-of-2/44620896

Note:  This is a pack of 2 for $12.51.  I couldn't find a place to buy only a single bottle.  Even when I was buying it for myself, I had a hard time finding only a single bottle.  I ordered from their website but it sent me to another site and the 2 pack is a better deal if you’re looking to save money.

5 Terrible Makeup Products (Save Your Money)

I searched my collection high and low to find the worst of the worst.  I feel like I often talk about amazing products and recommend what’s good, but today I’m just going to save you some money and heartache.  I’m not going to mention limited edition products.  I’m also not going to mention products that I don’t like because of personal preference.  These are truly bad products that I don’t think would work well for anyone.

1. Burt’s Bees Lipsticks

Colors I Own:  Iced Iris and Fuchsia Flood

Out of all the lipstick I own, I think these are the worst.  I was so happy and excited when I found out Burt’s was releasing some lipsticks.  I drove all over town trying to find these and was so happy when I finally had.  I purchased not one but two of these babies.  They are truly awful.  They take forever to twist up, they aren’t true to color, and they have no color pay-off.  I think these are some of the most expensive drugstore lipsticks I’ve purchased and they are not worth the money.

2. Baby Lips Lipgloss

Colors I Own:  Just a Glimmer

These come in a ‘variety’ of colors.  And by variety, I mean each and every color looks just alike.  They are pretty much sheer so unless you want just a bit of shine, I would skip these.  I bought the one stand out, Just a Glimmer.  A glitter with hints of pink, purple, and blue.  This formula is thick, which I hate in a lipgloss, and the glitter is so sparse that there’s hardly any payoff.  While some people like these, I think most people wouldn’t

3. Lorac Eyeshadows

Palettes I Own:  After-Glo, Multi-Platnum, and Pro 2

I own three Lorac palettes.  Every Lorac wearer knows that they have two types of palettes.  There are the Pro palettes which come with a pretty price tag and a fairly nice formula.  The other none-Pro palettes are seriously bad.  The fact that they charge brand name prices for what’s pretty much junk is just sad and disappointing.

4. Hard Candy Velvet Mousse

Colors I Own:  Sweet Pea, Hibiscus, and Wisteria

I own three of these.  While they aren’t my favorite liquid lipstick, they aren’t completely bad.  The lighter colors are okay but the dark shade I have is in one word, BAD.  Wisteria, a very deep shade of purple, goes on thick and uneven.  You can see your lips through the shade.  I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, for the same amount of money you can purchase the ColourPop shades and I have some serious love for those.

5. City Color Creamy Lip Stain

Colors I Own:  Flirtini

For this coveted last place spot, I had to pull out the worst product in my collection.  This was a gift and I think I’ve worn it maybe once.  I had to dig it out from under some great products.  This junky lip product had an awful feel on the lips and I was constantly having to clean it off my teeth.  I wore it to work and it was horrible having to talk to people and feeling so self-conscious about what was going on with my lips.  Never again will I wear this product.