My Favorite Beauty Products of 2016!

Yes, I will say it my Makeup Maniacs...can you believe another year has finished?  It's amazing how quickly the time passes. I have tried so many new makeup and skincare products this year. And I actually filmed, edited, and uploaded several videos showcasing my "faves" of 2016.  Come on, take a looksy and let me know what you think in the comments section :-) I hope each & every one of you have a healthy, prosperous 2017!

Buy Gently Used Makeup!

If any of you Makeup Maniacs want to buy some gently used makeup from me, check out the shop I have on MUABS.  https://muabs.com/shop/mels-makeup-mayhem-3/


Thanks!

Gold Elements Cosmetics

Hi Makeup Maniacs!  So, about a month ago I was contacted by Pamela Tal of Gold Elements Cosmetics.  She stated that she would send me samples, if I'd be willing to share some info about them on my blog and YouTube channel.  I kindly agreed and she, so generously, sent me seven (7) full-sized products from this wonderful company!  

Not only is the packaging on these products beautiful, but the quality of each item is excellent!  There are a few different product lines available on their website.  You can purchase them and not be charged a shipping fee. Yes, FREE shipping!  Even better, if you use the promo code Melissa20, you will get 20% off your purchase :-) 

I've been personally trying out a few things from their "Age Defying" skincare collection, as well as, a few things from their "D'Or" collection.  I've enjoyed them, but there are 3 items that truly stand out.

The Hand and Nail Cream that are a part of the Gold Elements Nail Kit is spectacular!  It feels so luxurious and emollient. And that feeling actually lasts past a couple of hand washes.  The kit also contains a nail file, a buffer, and cuticle cream.  It retails for $49.  It makes a great gift.

The 2nd item that truly impressed me was the D'Or Facial Peeling gel.  Just a pea-sized amount of this stuff can be spread on your whole face. As you gently rub your skin in circular motions, the dead skin cells immediately rise to the top.  After washing the gel off with warm water, you are left with the softest skin, which is the perfect canvas for proper makeup application.  This item costs $149, but remember, you can use my code, Melissa20, and get it for 20% less.

Lastly, the D'Or Facial Cream made my skin feel so silky smooth.  A small amount was able to properly hydrate my entire face & neck.  This item retails for $149.

All in all, the products that were sent to me worked out well.  They do not contain parabens and did not make my aging, combination skin break out. 

If you've tried anything by this company please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below.  If you are interested in Gold Elements, check out their website:  https://goldelements-usa.com/  All items ship for free!  And they also have 30 retail locations throughout the U.S.A.!  Thanks and 'til next time...

3 Reviews in 5 Minutes!

Hi Makeup Maniacs!  Mel here, and I uploaded a new video!  This time I'm sharing my thoughts on 3 different makeup items I recently hauled:  a L'Oreal Colour Riche Eyeshadow single, the Boots No. 7 Airbrush Away Foundation, and the Milani 2-in-1 Foundation. 


Thanks for stopping by! And I hope you find this helpful :-)

Current Obsessions

Makeup Maniacs, there are a few things I've been loving lately and maybe you'll love them too!
Come see what my 5 new obsessions are and if you've tried any of them, let me know your thoughts in the comments section!

My FIRST Blog Sale!!

Hi Makeup Maniacs! Well, I have a few items in my collection that I need to sell!  Some are brand new and others are gently used.  All items were stored in a cool, smoke free environment.  If you have interest in any of these items, please send me a private email at:  mellyv1973@gmail.com

Keep in mind that I will ship these free of charge to the United States and Canada.  Payments will be made via Pay Pal ONLY and the only acceptable form of payment is USD $.  All items are in great shape. They are all wonderful, I just don't reach for them and I need to de-clutter my stash.

I bought this for $78, but will sell it for $60. Brand new, never opened. It's an age-fighting serum by Lancome - 1.69 oz.
This was SOLD!

I bought this for $95, but I'll sell the entire set (BRAND NEW - never touched!!) for $80. This is the Anti-aging set for Normal/Dry skin. It includes a Cleanser, Moisturizer, Sunscreen, and a Night Solution (which is a serum). 

This was SOLD!

I bought this for $80 and only used each color once.  It is gently used. It is the Bridal Satin palette from Viseart.  I'm selling it for $70.

This was SOLD!

This is the Kevyn Aucoin Eyeshadow Duo #201 (Antique Silver/Plum Shimmer).  I forgot how much I paid for it, but I've only used it once.  I'm asking $20 for it.

This was SOLD!

This is the Laura Mercier "Daring By Day" Eye & Cheek Colour Palette.  I paid $48 for it.  I'm selling it for $30.  I've used it about 3 times.

This was SOLD!

This is the bareMinerals "The Regal Wardrobe" - a 12 piece eye & cheek palette.  Used it about 3 times.  Originally $39, but I'm selling it for $20.

This was SOLD!

This is the Buxom "Look All You Want Eyeshadow Palette".  I don't recall how much I paid for it, but I'm selling it for $10.

This was SOLD!

Thanks for stopping by everyone!  Hope you like what I have to offer :-)

First Impressions + GIVEAWAY! Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette

Let's talk peach scented eye shadows and adorable packaging!  Yes Makeup Maniacs, Too Faced has created this wonderful palette with 18 shadows in it.  It's called the Sweet Peach palette and it's spectacular!

My first impression of this palette is that there is a nice variety of transition shades, as well as, perfect colors for lining the eyes. There are also enough shadows for adding a pop of color to the lid.

Here are some swatches I made on my arm - without primer.  They swatch nicely, although there is a little bit of fall out.  However, it's not so much fall out that it makes for impossible blending.  They seem rich enough where they wouldn't create a muddy mess on the eye.

There is a great balance of matte, satin, and shimmery shades that make this a well-rounded palette that will inspire anyone's creative side.

And you can try to win your very own Sweet Peach palette, right here!  I bought an extra one to share with one of my readers.  So, if you want to win this wonderful palette, click the link and be sure to read the terms & conditions!

Drugstore Makeup Haul - March 2016

Over the past few weeks, I've picked up some drugstore makeup items from Jordana, NYX, and Milani.  I want to share what I bought with you Makeup Maniacs out there!

My Influenster Treat VoxBox!

Well Makeup Maniacs, Influenster is back at it again! This time they sent me the #TreatVoxBox filled with some lovely items from Weleda, Hills Bros. Cappuccino, and Yogi Tea!  I did get some other stuff too, but remember these were all sent to me for FREE for testing purposes ONLY!


Come see everything I got in my Influenster #TreatVoxBox and if you're interested in becoming an Influenster, go to their website www.influenster.com

The Manny MUA Palette!

Hi Makeup Maniacs!  Today I want you to check out the newest video I've uploaded on my YouTube Channel.  It showcases the new Manny MUA + Makeup Geek Collaboration Palette which is absolutely beautiful!

I bought this palette from the Makeup Geek website for $45.  Unfortunately, it is currently out of stock, but you can sign up for an email alert so that you know when it's back in stock.

Come see the swatches of this lovely palette and hear my quick, first impression in this 4 minute video.  Afterward, feel free to leave me your thoughts in the comments section below :-)

Starting My Korean Skincare Journey

 Hi Makeup Maniacs!  Hope everyone is doing well :-) 

Over my 42 years, I have noticed many changes in my skin.  I always had dry skin on my body, but my earliest memories of the skin on my face are associated with oil.  I would use Noxzema, which was a deep cleansing cream.  Anyone out there remember using this stuff?  It actually still exists!

Noxzema

The Noxzema was perfect for my oily skin at the time, but now that I am older, I suffer from sun damage, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation.  I have been looking for a skincare regimen that would address all of my "concerns", as well as, be gentle on my now combination skin.

Having seen so many Korean skincare products come on the scene lately, I decided I would test out their practice of layering products, especially at night. However, I will be using a multi-step system in the morning as well.

Here is the 6-step MORNING routine I will be implementing:

1. Wash with a cream or foam cleanser - Skinfood Aloe Vera Foaming Cleanse

2.  Tone using a gentle, moisturizing toner - TONYMOLY Floria Nutra-Energy Toner

3. Pat essence onto the skin - Missha Time Revolution Essence

4. Pat an ampoule (or a serum) onto the skin - Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule

5. Pat eye cream onto the delicate skin under & around eyes - Innisfree Eco Science Eye Cream

6. Moisturize and apply SPF by using a BB Cream - IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50

And if the morning routine looks daunting, here is the 10-step EVENING routine I will be trying out:

1. Wash with an oil cleanser to remove makeup - The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil

 

2. Wash with a cream or foam cleanser (yes, DOUBLE cleanse)

3. Exfoliate (2 times per week) - SkinFood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off

4. Tone

5. Essence

6. Ampoule

7. Use a tissue facial mask (2 times per week) - Dermal Korean Collagen Essence Full Face Mask Sheets

8. Eye Cream

9. Moisturizer - Etude House Collagen Moistfull Emulsion

10. Moisturizing nighttime sleep mask - SUM 37 Waterfull Timeless Moisturizing Cream

Has anyone tried these methods?  If so, what were the results?  Let me know in the comments section and stay tuned for MY results, that I will be blogging about by the end of April!







The Morphe Brushes 35 W Eye Shadow Palette

Hi Makeup Maniacs! Please check out this new look I created using the Morphe Brushes 35W palette. Hope you like it and please let me know what you think in the comments section :-)

Turn My Brown Eyes BLUE!

Makeup Maniacs I have been trying to add more color to my eye looks lately. Today, I'm giving you a look using the NEW L'Oreal La Palette Noir to create a "Rocker" style using silver, blue, and black.  Come watch how I achieve the look and leave me a comment letting me know if you enjoyed this :-)

The BLISS "You Shade My Day" Palette

Hi Makeup Maniacs!  I bought this BLISS "You Shade My Day" palette at Kohls for $17 which I think is a steal of a deal!  Come see swatches + hear my thoughts on this palette!  Let me know how you feel about it in the comments section :-)

Urban Decay's XX Vice Ltd Palette

Well, Urban Decay strikes again with a "new" eye shadow palette. This time there are some throw back colors featured.  Come hear what I think of this palette and check out swatches of the fabulous colors in it!

So, what do you think of this?  Let me know by leaving a comment! 

REVIEW | Valentia True Glow Eye Cream

Happy New Year Makeup Maniacs!  Today, I wanted to share information on the Valentia True Glow Eye Cream. 

I have been using this particular product for over 3 weeks now and I am absolutely loving it!  

Come hear my thoughts and see the before and after pictures in this 6 minute video:

If you are interested in buying this product, click this link: http://amzn.to/1mGqCWT