Makeup Wars – Blogger-Enabled Beauty Buys
I’ve been involved in the world of beauty blogging for longer than the 7+ years I’ve been writing All Lacquered Up. I started reading beauty blogs when I was an active member of Makeup Alley and 9 times out of 10, I still opt for reading blogs over books or magazines.
So, narrowing down the products to feature in this week’s Makeup Wars topic, Blogger Recommendations, was a challenge, to say the least. Um, what don’t I use that I haven’t read about on a blog? To keep this from becoming a book, I chose the products that I use on the regular that were enabled by some of my fave beauty/nail bloggers.
Arcona Triad Pads ($32, Nordstrom.com)
I initially received a tub of Arcona Triad Pads backstage at a fashion show. They were being used on the models so the rep gave me a jar to try. I was rooming with my best blogging buddy, Nancy from Beauty411, who went on the extol the virtues of the cleansing wipes.
And, of course, Nance was right. These pads are amazing and remove every stitch of makeup. What I love best is that they come in a jar so the pads never dry out. I’m on my third tub and it’s been open for months without losing a drop of moisture.
They’re definitely pricey so I don’t use them every day but when I have a full face of makeup and want it off, like NOW, this is what I reach for.
Arcona Triad Pads
Bond No 9 Chinatown ($195, Nordstrom.com)
I learned about Bond No 9 fragrances from one of the godmother’s of beauty blogging, Annie from Blogdorf Goodman. Talk about a woman who can wax lyrical about fragrance. Oh how I miss Annie’s blog.
Anyway, I remember her posting about a Saks F&F sale and after reading her many glowing reviews of Bond scents, I decided it was time to take the plunge. I instantly fell for Chinatown with its notes of peach blossoms, gardenia, tuberose, patchouli and cardamom. ps I normally hate patchouli in any fragrance but I love Chinatown. West Side is another fave of mine but I don’t own a full-size bottle, yet!
Bond No 9 Chinatown
COVERGIRL Flamed Out Shadow Pencil ($6.49, Drugstore.com)
While at the BlogHer Conference last summer, I had the chance to catch up with some of my fave beauty blogging pals including Teri from Beautiful Makeup Search. She raved about how long lasting the COVERGIRL Flamed Out products are so I had to give the Shadow Pencils a try.
Well, Melted Caramel Flame has become my go-to shadow product. In fact, it’s clawed its way into my 5-Minute Makeup Routine for the fact that it’s so blendable and easy to apply. Even better, I don’t need to use primer as it doesn’t crease!
COVERGIRL Flamed Out Shadow Pencil – Melted Caramel Flame
Glisten & Glow HK Girl Top Coat ($6.95, GlistenandGlow.Bigcartel.com)
I blame this recent acquisition on Kellie Gonzo. I ordered this top coat immediately after reading her review and I’m definitely a fan. It hasn’t replaced Rock Top Coat as my all-time fave but I love using it over nail art. It floats over the design without any smearing. Plus it dries super fast. I don’t get the same wear as I do with Rock but overall I’m pretty happy with it.
Glisten & Glow H K Girl Top Coat
NYX Matte Bronzer ($8.99, ULTA.com)
This bronzer, which I now use for contouring, came into my life in a roundabout way. It wasn’t exactly a direct recommendation but a blogger is still responsible for me finding it.
Miss Hollyberries mentioned a NYX blush (Taupe) in one of her videos as being a great contour shade for fair skin so I immediately ran to ULTA in search of it. While my store has a decent NYX display, they don’t carry that shade. Instead, I took a look at the NYX Matte Bronzers and brought the “Light” shade home to try. If it wasn’t for Holly, I never would have seen it so, for that, I thank her.
NYX Matte Bronzer – Light
Stila Cherry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain ($24, Sephora.com)
I’ve purchased this stain over and over again and I have Amber from Rouge18 to blame. I spent a day on a beauty tour of LA with her many moons ago. And while half the day seemed to involved me reapplying lip color, Amber’s lips were a constant, perfectly ripe shade thanks to Stila Cherry Crush. So, it was off to Sephora for me.
Given that my lips lack pigmentation naturally, I wear this under most lippies to make sure I still have some color, even if my lipstick wears off. I also have the Pomegranate and Raspberry hues and they’re all fabulous.
Stila Cherry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain
Verge by One Styling Bubble Wand ($99, Folica.com)
Okay, so technically this rec didn’t come from a beauty blogger, more like a blogger obsessed with beauty. My good friend, and local Cleveland food blogger, Katrina from Bite Buff, has what you might call a Bubble Wand obsession. I can only recall two days in the past few years where she hasn’t used the Bubble Wand. She even bought a back-up, no joke!
If that isn’t a ringing endorsement, I don’t know what is. I had to have one of my own and it totally lives up to the hype. Of course, there are less expensive versions on the market but One Styling is a hometown brand so I’ll continue to give them my support. ps I’ve seen it sold at my salon, John Roberts in Mayfield, for half the retail price online.
Verge Bubble Wand from One Styling
Loose curls with the Verge Bubble Wand
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So, now I’m curious, what things have I enabled you to buy? Do you tend to buy based on reviews alone or do you still need to see the items in person?
Disclosure: Product samples were provided by reps for Arcona, COVERGIRL and ONE Styling. I have repurchased the Arcona pads since. Affiliate links appear in this post. When you purchase through an affiliate link, you help support this site. For more info view my Disclosure Policy.
Lisa N.
Ms Meatballhead
Birdie
Spa pediccure chairs
Aw, thanks for the shout-out! You know I love me some bubble wand. Some of the other products look great too. Love the post.
I don’t think I can count how many polish colour choices you’ve influenced, but I can definitely point out a texture. It’s those Sally Hansen bar glitters you used in the tweed manicure. I already had one, but you showing me a decent way to use it opened up the door to a full range of colourful buying opportunities, hehehe. I never would have decided I really liked those things if it weren’t for you.
Hey Rach! That’s so cool to hear. I’m glad I could show you a new way to use them.
They all sound so good!
nice haul
HK Girl Glisten and Glow is nice!
Glad you liked HK Girl! I am going to have to try that Rock you mentioned
I LOVE BOND scents!! When I use to live in NY I would go to the Bond store and smell ALL their scents, my favorite is Madison Square!
I need a bubble wand! Your hair looks awesome!
I used to buy 2 or 3 magazines per week, but I stopped buying magazines and I have since opted to look at blogs instead. Usually they are unbiased and I am able to get honest reviews of products. I especially love your site! I like knowing someone else has tried a product before I spend the money on it. Thanks!
Adding the Nyx bronzer to the shopping list! I just bought their baked blush + illuminator + bronzer in pink fetish and it is the best blush I’ve ever used. Thanks for all the great ideas
Solar Oil! I live in Minnesota, and my nails would NOT survive this never-ending winter without it. Thanks for introducing me to it.
I have never been able to find that darn NYX Taupe!
Great makeup. I am loving the Stila Cherry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain
I have that top coat, I need to remember to use it next time I do nail art!
I’m so honored to be included in this list! Thank you so much. That nyx bronzer looks amazing, I may have to try that next. And now I need a bubble curling wand because your hair looks phenomenal!
You were influenced by the best. I know you’ve sold me on countless nail polishes and now I’m going to pick up that Cover Girl crayon if I can find it!
WOW! That wand gave you the most beautiful curls!
I mostly base my decision half-half. Read reviews and see it in personal. I make sure that what I use are safe, effective and worth it.
I have YOU to thank (or blame…) for starting my polish obsession.
I was a fan of OPI back in the early early 90′s when I got out of college (I was teased mercilessly at work for wearing a dark pine-green polish around the holidays) and then I pretty much ignored polish until I discovered your blog.
You had me hooked with Chanel Paradoxal and RBL Insouciant, and then hopelessly addicted after reading your post about N’fu Oh 61.
I also may or may not have a Shellac lamp gathering dust in the closet, but I’m not proud of that impulse purchase!
Ha, I love it!! I have some impulse buys I’m not proud of as well.
Always happy to share the love for a great product! And I’ve more than picked your brain a few times for recos and you always come through!
That bronzer looks great! I will check it out the next time I go to Rickys.
I took your advice on red lipstick and went to MAC counter. Of course I left with $50 worth of product. I’m 77 and it took me a while to go out in public, but my husband lo loves my red lips. I love Viva Glam.
Well, I owe my newest obsession with Zoya polish to you, that’s for sure! I’m relatively new to the polish/polish blog scene, and even though I had been reading blogs that mention Zoya, it wasn’t until the beginning of this year when they had the super fantastic freebies deal that you linked and talked about that I actually splurged. Since then, thank god for taxes, as I’ve spent around $100 on them. They are just wonderfully long lasting though!!! Worth it, especially since both times I’ve bought stuff it’s been when they had good deals and I got bonus stuff for free.
You have influenced so many of my beauty loves: Solar Oil, Seche Vite, Rock, and only a billion polishes!
That Bubble Wand will now be mine!
The Orly Cuticle pusher and Orly Cutique. I can’t believe the difference those two products have made in how my hands look.
Love the Triad Pads. Just wrote about them myself. Check it out:
http://www.inhautepursuit.com/face/the-power-of-three-arcona-triad-pads/
Thank you. Great article.