Monday, January 31, 2011

Review :: Diet Pepsi's new Skinny Can - Get into the 'Skinny'

I had the amazing opportunity to try out Pepsi's newest creation. the Pepsi Skinny Can said to be out this coming March.

It is described with its light, crisp taste, Diet pepsi gives you all the refreshment you need, now in an attractive new can - with zero sugar, zero calories and zero carbs.

So i wanted to share my experience with the new Skinny cans and get you ready to get in the skinny too!





so yes the cans are quite skinnier than regular soda's. the new skinny can, can fit almost anywhere. in your purse on the go. when you drink it you have nothing to worry about if you're on a diet as it has zero sugar, zero carbs, zero calories. it doesn't get better than that!

as for taste, it tastes just as described..light and crisp, very refreshing and also makes me feel good knowing that it's zero sugar, zero calories and zero carbs! 

Packaging: 4/5
I have to work with what i was given.. but pretty much the packaging came as is so.. just 4 skinny bottles together.. i like how sleek and tall the soda can was compared to its shorter fellow soda. i must say i am not too keen with drinking diet sodas, but this one does the job. 

Quality: 3.5/5
the soda itself is decent, like i said i'm not an avid soda drinker. i love the concept that it has no carbs, sugars and calories. i am not an avid soda drinker, but i must say that, it would be nice to have more flavor in this drink and still keep the zero calories, zero carbs, zero sugars...

Usage: 4/5
it was common sense on how to use/open a can. but once you got it open, you drank a sip and you just felt energized for another task at hand. no issues on this area. I must say that this fit in a lot more places because it was thinner than the shorter wider can.

Overall: 4/5
since i'm not really an avid soda drinker per say, i dont think i would intentionally pass on this item. I think the fact that it has zero calories, zero sugar and zero carbs makes me want to reach for this more than your average pepsi, coke, mountain dew etc... i definitely like taste the light and crisp taste of the original diet pepsi, at the same time, i am totally feeling the new design. i feel a lot of those ladies who will be watching their bodies but still love soda will keep enjoy this soda with the piece of mind that this probably won't do much damage if at all on their current diet.

i would recommend this to those that want to try a diet pepsi soda in a new "skinny can" ... and have the piece of mind that you don't have to compromise taste when your on a diet. also for those that already love diet soda's definitely would recommend this to you too! 


Keep your eyes out at your local market for the newest skinny cans! :)


** Just a note - NO this product will not make you lose weight. it is not a substitute for being on a diet. please consult your physician before thinking about going on a diet **





FTC: I was sent these products by a PR firm for review purposes. I was not paid to do this review, nor does it alter my view on the product. As always, my reviews are with my HONEST thoughts and opinions


Sunday, January 30, 2011

Review :: NYX Cosmetics :: Part 2 Eyeshadow Palettes

Hey There all! :) So here is the continuation of my previous post. I had received the items all together, but figured it'd be better to split the posts up. 

The three eyeshadow palettes I chose to review from nyxcosmetics.com were:
(you can find these here: http://nyxcosmetics.com/index.php?pf=ESP10C)
- Velvet Rope Eyeshadow palette
- Champagne & Caviar eyeshadow palette
- Jazz night eyeshadow palette

The palettes are described on the NYXCosmetics.com website as:
"These 10 color palettes contains the original best selling NYX shadows in one sleek case for design, storage and mobility. Whether you are looking for various color combinations or a palette suited for your particular eye color, then look no further! As with our popular eyeshadows, this product offers bold colors, high pigmentation and lasting wear."


Velvet Rope Palette - $11.00 (on website) -
This palette has 10 eyeshadows and is one of their newest colors that will join the Runway collection. Most of you that have been followers of my blog know that i LOVE purple eyeshadows! and so of course i was super excited I had the chance to review this palette.. a variety of plums/purples for those ladies on the go and want to bring the palette in your purse for quick touchups. very easy to use! pigmented colors, such a variety in such a sleek small palette.



Packaging: 3.5/5
Nothing too fancy, which i like. I love how sleek and portable this palette is. it's really thin but at the same time sturdy enough to stay in your purse and not get  messed up. I love how it comes with a mirror!

Quality: 4/5
I LOVE the quality of the eyeshadows in this palette. maybe i'm a bit biased because i'm a purple eyeshadow/color lover lol.. but amazing quality for such an amazing price. the swatches above are without a base, can you imagine how vivid they would be WITH an eyeshadow base or primer? amazing!

Usage: 4/5
Easy to use, easy to bring on the go and love how it has a mirror with it. there was minimal fall out on like one or two eyeshadows, and same with chalkiness. but super easy to use. i like how convenient this palette is to carry around (have i said that enough lol)

Overall: 4/5
I'd definitely recommend this eyeshadow palette for those that love a variety of purples in one palette that you can easily tote around in your purse or clutch for easy touch ups. great for those starting out in makeup that want a palette that's easy to use, great quality and that's budget friendly.



Champagne & Caviar palette - $11.00 (on website) -
I chose this palette to review because i really do like neutral colors for days where i'm just too much in a hurry trying to get out the door i just like to put a simple wash of color on my lids and go. it's nothing compared to my urban decay naked palette, but it'll suffice. it's smaller, sleeker and works just as well.  great for those that need an office friendly make-up palette and don't feel like spending $40 for one. this has 10 eyeshadows that range from neutral and has a few darker shades for those that want to mix up their look and go from day to night.

don't mind my eyebrows lol ;D



Packaging: 3.5/5
Nothing too fancy, which i like. I love how sleek and portable this palette is. it's really thin but at the same time sturdy enough to stay in your purse and not get  messed up. I love how it comes with a mirror!

Quality: 5/5
Amazing Quality for such budget friendly price. a variety of neutrals and browns to go with any look. some mattes, shimmery, frost/satin like textures in this palette. i really find myself reaching for this palette the most because i'm always in a hurry and find myself making endless neutral looks and i can go from day to night with this palette in a jif. 

Usage: 4/5
Easy to use, easy to bring on the go and love how it has a mirror with it. there was minimal fall out on like one or two eyeshadows, and same with chalkiness. but super easy to use. i like how convenient this palette is to carry around (have i said that enough lol)

Overall: 4.5/5
I really like this palette because of the ease of use and just because i love neutrals and most days when i'm at work that's the look i do. and when i want to change it up and do dramatic smokey look, i can do it with this palette. i never had a problem with lasting power on this palette (nor the others) but i always wear a primer/base while using this. I definitely would recommend this palette for those that can't afford the naked palette but at the same time want something to use for every day looks.





Jazz Night palette - $11.00 (on website) -
this palette i chose because I don't have very many colors like this. I normally don't wear too many blues but i thought I needed a variety in my collection and I already love the quality of NYX products that i chose this palette. 



Packaging: 3.5/5
Nothing too fancy, which i like. I love how sleek and portable this palette is. it's really thin but at the same time sturdy enough to stay in your purse and not get  messed up. I love how it comes with a mirror! and a spongetip applicator for easy use when your on the go.

Quality: 3/5
This palette was the least pigmented of the bunch. althought the colors were lovely in pan, applied on the skin i had to really pack it on. but when i did layer it - the colors on top were mainly metallic finished. the colors on the bottom row were darker, slightly chalky. only one of the colors were just too glittery/chunky so there was a lot of fall out. 

Usage: 3/5
Easy to use, easy to bring on the go and love how it has a mirror with it. I had higher hopes for this palette because of the variety of colors, but i didn't quite like the finish of these without really packing them on. 

Overall: 3/5
Although this palette had a variety of dark colors to use for a variety of looks, the colors weren't as pigmented as i'd hope. but i think this palette would be better suited for those with cool tones... i'd recommend this if you like metallic colors, blues or are cool toned. 

I'm going to be having a giveaway (sponsored by NYX Cosmetics). I want to elaborate on the rules and so i'll be making a separate post for it! so STAY TUNED - you WON'T want to miss this giveaway! hope you all had an awesome weekend!


FTC: I was sent these products by a PR firm for review purposes. I was not paid to do this review, nor does it alter my view on the product. As always, my reviews are with my HONEST thoughts and opinions



Saturday, January 29, 2011

Review :: NYX Cosmetics - HD Studio Foundation & Blush (Part 1)

Hey Everyone! :) I was given an amazing opportunity by a PR rep from NYX Cosmetics (www.nyxcosmetics.com) to choose a few products to try and review.

i've been testing these products for 2.5 weeks and here is  my review:


This is the list of items i chose to review:
- HD liquid foundation in Natural
- HD Grinding Blush in Sangria in Madrid
- HD Grinding Blush in English Rose

(will have a separate post - a part 2 for these):
- Velvet Rope Eyeshadow palette
- Champagne & Caviar eyeshadow palette
- Jazz night eyeshadow palette

I'll go ahead and start with their new HD products! 

HD Foundation ($15.00 on website) - the description from their website:
"NYX's new line of liquid foundation is formulated from HD Photogenic synthesis. When light hits skin, the diffusing effect of the foundation reflects the light to make skin appear smooth and reduce the appearance of pores. The foundation covers skin flawlessly with tri-peptides infused to promote collagen generation, reduce wrinkles, and rejuvenate skin. The HD Studio foundation is ideal for everyday use, professional shoots and shows under bright lights."

Please visit NYXCosmetics.com for complete list of ingredients on this foundation.

I wasn't sure on which color to get, but for reference i'm about an NC25 in MAC. i was given this foundation in "Natural" which did seem a little dark on my skin at first, but when blended - it matched quite well. 

the way i would describe it - it's semi thick, not liquidy/runny. the consistency reminds me of MAC's Studio Sculpt but not as creamy. there is a slight scent to it, so for those that are sensitive - you may not like that. it did not bother me however.



the coverage i'd say is medium and it's very build able. I did like how i barely needed any concealer to cover any redness because it covered it quite well. When fully blended - it felt like second skin! It would last quite awhile before i needed to do a touchup. although it did not keep me completely oil free (not like it promised it, but i do try to look for that in any foundation), i did not get overly shiny on my t-zone. 

i did not have any white cast on my face when taking pictures. Here are some pictures of me with the foundation on.

Packaging: 4/5

The packaging was in plastic bottle, and the box was real nice with pictures of how HD effect works. nothing too fancy and it had a pump which was a plus for me! it was sturdy yet not bulky. 

Quality: 4/5

Very awesome foundation I must say. I loved testing this product. it didn't break me out, was not greasy feeling and did not irritate my skin. the slight smell did not bother me, but it was present. I liked how it felt like second skin on me and didn't really feel like i was wearing anything. It did not even get cakey around my nasal area where i usually get really dry/flakey. it did not accentuate any fine lines that I have around my under eye area and the coverage was amazing. 

Usage: 4/5

It was super easy to use especially since it had a nice pump. the pump let you control how much or how little I wanted and i really liked that about the pump. I used my Sigma F80 brush to apply this and it looked flawless and my skin looked airbrushed. did not oxidate on my skin at all which was a plus since it was a tad darker than my skin - but did not bother me at all or look funny on me (not that i could see in my pictures lol)

Overall: 4/5

overall i think this is a great product. Although i did receive this for free to review, I'm not sure that i'd really want to pay $15.00 for this product. but honestly, I do like it that much that if I run out of this product - im thinking i really might since it's HD and really works!. It's a great product, it helps my skin look amazing in pictures. it did not irritate my sensitive skin or break me out. it was easy to use and it did it's job. I would definitely recommend this product to those interested in an HD liquid foundation and are looking for something under $20.00. 



HD Grinding Blush ($16.50 on website) - Description from website:
"A Revolutionary system for face blush. This genius system grinds mineral-enriched high-definition blush powder that deflects light from skin and makes pores appear smaller and smoother. Perfect for photos and filming. Grinding powder allows you to control the amount you need and keeps remaining product fresh. Say goodbye to oil trappings on powders, contamination, and cracking."

I received two blushes: Sangria in Madrid & English Rose


This was the only swatch i was able to get, but as you can see it's very pigmented and you can blend it very well into the skin. it's buildable to your liking!

In the above pictures of my full face with the foundation, I am wearing very lightly the HD Grinding Blush in Sangria in Madrid. 

Packaging: 4/5

I really liked how sturdy and how well made the blush packaging was. It had a nifty little mirror on the blush cap. I did wish it was a flip top, but it was okay. I did like how it had a plastic tab over it so it wouldn't go all over the place. it was a loose powder, but in order to get to the product you had to screw the middle portion clockwise and the powder would come up through the little holes. although i did get a little messy with it, i did like the concept. 

Quality: 4/5

I really like the quality of the blush. although i didn't really notice it making my pores appear smaller, it did look soft on the face, along with the HD Foundation - they complimented each other very well. The lasting power to me didn't last as long as i'd like, maybe because i didn't put too much? but overall it didn't make me itchy or anything. 

Usage: 4/5
Although like i mentioned it got kind of messy because it was loose (and i'm clumsy lol) It was rather easy to use, but you have to build the coverage to your liking. it's a very natural looking kind of blush. 

Overall: 4/5

Overall I did like the blushes that I was able to use. My only issue if you would really consider it an issue is that i wish it was a flip top like other blushes, but i do understand how sanitary this packaging is. it's a great product and works really well with the HD Foundation. Maybe it might be too pricey for some at $16.50 but i guess because of the quality it's worth it. there is so much product it'll last quite a while and be well worth the price. I'd definitely recommend this if you're into High-Definition products especially into blush. 


Have you tried anything from their HD Line? what are your thoughts? did you like?

Please stay tuned for Part 2 of my review! I'm also going to have a giveaway - so you definitely will want to check it out! Stay tuned!

FTC: I was sent these products by a PR firm for review purposes. I was not paid to do this review, nor does it alter my view on the product. As always, my reviews are with my HONEST thoughts and opinions
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