CoverGirl Super Size Mascara and Intensify Me! Liquid Eyeliner

CoverGirl has two new things for your eyes – the CoverGirl Super Sizer Mascara and Intensify Me! Liquid Eyeliner by LashBlast. One I like and one I'm on the fence about. Guess which one's which and read my thoughts below: 

My lashes typically do well with CoverGirl mascaras, and this one is no exception. The CoverGirl Super Sizer Mascara (~$7) features a plastic tip with small bristles. Oddly enough, the wand goes from small at the base to slightly wider at the tip. This makes no difference in application. The slightly curved wand paired with small bristles, makes it easy to grab and slightly curl all my baby eyelashes without getting black blobs all over my eyelids. In addition, it doesn’t smudge or droop on me which is a definite plus. CG claims that lashes are 400 x more volumized from inner to outer corner. Yes, it’s very volumizing but maybe not by 400x. Regardless, the Super Sizer is a mascara that I’d definitely go back to. 

Indeed, you can carve out a decent looking cat eye with the CoverGirl Intensify Me! Liquid Eyeliner (~$8). However, the hard felt tip isn’t particularly precise (compared to the brush tips of the Physicians Formula, Kat Von D or Paul & Joe liquid liners). The liner is very dark and intense but bleeds ever so slightly; again making precision tougher than you might be used to. The formulation requires a little drying time before rapid blinking (or risk ultra-black lines in all the wrong places) but after drying, stays all day long with no signs of fading. 

All in all, the Intensify Me! Liquid Eyeliner is so-so but if you're a fan of CoverGirl mascaras, the Super Sizer Mascara won't disappoint.  

Have you tried these new goodies from CoverGirl? 

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CoverGirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in Blush Twist, Cupcake Twist and Coral Twist

Are gloss/stain/balm lip crayons still a thing? The CoverGirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balms ($7.99) in Blush Twist, Cupcake Twist, and Coral Twist are three more of those. The Balms are available in 16 colours, all glossy with varying degrees of pigmentation and shimmer particles. 

Blush Twist (medium pink with gold shimmer)

Cupcake Twist (warm pink with gold shimmer)

Coral Twist (sheer orange coral)

CoverGirl's rendition of the jumbo lip crayon is quite sheer with a gloss-like sheen. It's not vinyl, just a natural looking shine. They're just a lipstick/lip gloss hybrid with no staining properties, as the product lasts a decent 3 hours on the lips. 

It's important to note that the CoverGirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balms are no consistent shade-to-shade. The shades with shimmer particles pull slightly at my lips. I'm not a fan of Blush Twist or Cupcake Twist, as they both contain shimmer that catches onto dry areas and seeps into the lines of my lips. Coral Twist is more my speed. There's no glitters in sight and it smooths over the lips nicely. 

If you're in the market for yet another gloss/crayon thing, then consider the CoverGirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balms a viable option (just avoid the ones with glitter/shimmer). 

Have you tried the CoverGirl Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balms? 

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FLARE Beauty Box by TOPBOX in Fearless & Classic Beauty // #FLAREBEAUTYBOX

This season's makeup, hair, and skincare essentials all in one box - the FLARE Beauty Boxes by TOPBOX ($9 each including shipping & handling to Canada only) include goodies from Olay, CoverGirl, Pantene, Herbal Essences, Vidal Sassoon and Clairol (aka P&G Beauty). There are two versions of the box - the Fearless Beauty and Classic Beauty. I received BOTH boxes to share with you. Let's see what's inside: 

FLARE Fearless Beauty Box

PRODUCTS INSIDE: 

- CoverGirl Colorlicious Lipstick in 295 Succulent Cherry (Garnet Flame reviewed - here)

- CoverGirl Full Lash Bloom Mascara by LashBlast (review)

- Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash (mini)

- Olay Fresh Effects Clear Skin Swirled Mattifier (samples x 2) 

- Herbal Essences Wild Naturals Rejuvenating Shampoo & Conditioner (mini)

- Vidal Sassoon Salonist Hair Colour (freebie coupon)

FLARE Classic Beauty Box

PRODUCTS INSIDE: 

- CoverGirl Colorlicious Lipstick in 250 Sultry Sienna (Garnet Flame reviewed - here)

- CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara by LashBlast (review)

- Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash (mini)

- Olay Regenerist Wrinkle Revolution Complex (samples x 2) 

- Pantene Expert Advanced Keratin Repair Split End Fuser (mini)

- Clairol Nice n' Easy (freebie coupon)

So it's probably obvious to you already but I'll write it out loud. These boxes are worth WAY more than $9 each. The hair dye coupons are already $16.99 and with the addition of the lipstick (~$7) and the mascara (~$8) you're well over double the $9 you put in. 

I could probably enjoy either box (with the exception of the Wrinkle Revolution samples). The Fearless Beauty Box contains a beautiful red lipstick but the Classic Beauty Box includes my fave mascara... so I'm really on the fence. 

Interested? Pick one up here.

Which FLARE Beauty Box would you choose? Fearless or Classic? 

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NEW THINGS: CoverGirl & Olay 2015 Launches + GIVEAWAY

P&G Beauty has recently come out with a slew of new products. Here's three new things that I've been trying (and loving). 

// Olay Regenerist Luminous Overnight Mask Gel Moisturizer ($32.99)

As of late, overnight masks have been all the rage. It's 100% easier than wash off masks because it contains all sorts of fun extracts that get work done while you sleep. The water-based gel formula is quite light in texture. It sits on the skin for ~20 minutes before the slimy mask texture dissipates. So, you don't actually have to use this as an overnight mask if you've got 20 minutes to spare. I haven't been using this long enough to see the look of dark spots disappear but the mask leaves my skin feeling plump, hydrated, and refreshed. 

// Olay Fresh Effects {Spot Zinger} 2-in-1 Salicylic Acne Spot Treatment ($12.99)

Since I began #nomakeupmarch, I've been turning to a topical acne spot treatment instead of concealer. It's thanks to the {Spot Zinger} that I've avoided picking at my skin. Formulated with 2% Salicylic acid, the Olay claims that this stuff improves the look of blemishes in just 10 minutes. Maybe not 10 minutes for me but I put this on before bed and when I wake up in the morning, the vast majority of a potentially bad situation has cleared up. BONUS: It's got citrus and mint, so it's the only acne treatment that I've ever used that smells good. 

// CoverGirl Colorlicious Lipstick in 300 Garnet Flame ($8.49)

The reformulated and repackaged version of the CoverGirl Lip Perfection Lipsticks. CoverGirl has released new shades and has also split them up into four easy-to-navigate colour families - nudes, pinks, reds, and plums. "New and improved" really doesn't apply here - these look, feel, and smell the same as the Lip Perfection Lipsticks. They're still good. The colour is rich and pigmented in one layer, the product doesn't bleed and lasts on me for up to 5 hours. Garnet Flame is a pink-leaning red. 

HERE'S THE GIVEAWAY PART. To win my P&G faves, follow me on Instagram @stephh_lau, find the first photo in this post and give it a like. For an extra entry, tag a friend or regram the photo! Open to residents of Canada only. Ends March 30, 2015. Best of luck! 

Have you tried any new things from CoverGirl or Olay? 

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Revisiting the CoverGirl Lipslicks Smooches Lip Balms in #TextMe, #Smooch, #BeSweet & #SweetTweet

Now that I've got my hands on a few more of the CoverGirl Lipslicks Smoochies Lip Balms (~$4) , it's only fair that I give the other shades a mention, as their a bit different from the last two I've tried. See the original reviews of #Smooch and #Sweet Tweet from way back when (2013). 

Pictured above are 220 #Text Me, 265 #Smooch, 260 #Be Sweet and 255 #Sweet Tweet. These are 4 of 12 shades in the range. The others are CU L8R, 2 CUTE, LUV U, TRU LUV, ONLY U, LUV BUG, and B4N. My thoughts on the names and packaging haven't changed. In an attempt to be young and hip, CoverGirl just ends up sounding a little ridiculous. 

Sticking with the youthful, girly theme, these balms are a throwback to my grade school days of candy-scented lip smackers. Other than that, they're a thin, lightweight balm that is neither drying or moisturizing. More than anything, if you're going to put this product on your lips, it would be to add color rather than to hydrate. The first three all wear away quickly, and the colour of Text Me sticks around for 2 hours. 

Compared to other multiples of products I've reviewed, these are all a bit different in terms of finish and pigmentation. From lightest to darkest, Sweet Tweet doesn't show up on my lips except for the tiniest bit of shine. Be Sweet is a pearly pink brown that adds a sheen of sparkle. Smooch is a nude mauve. The colour shows up on my lips and so does the visibly chunky glitter, which I am not fond of. Text Me is the unicorn in this particular grouping of lip products. It's actually a great sheer red (without sparkles, pearlies, or glitters) that reminds me a lot of Benebalm, except much less hydrating. 

Personally, I prefer more hydrating, pigmented lipsticks. The standout shade for the CoverGirl Lipslicks Smoochies Lip Balms is definitely the sheer red of Text Me. Other than that, I would only suggest the other three shades if you're looking to add a tiny hint of shine or a pearly or glittery sparkle to the lips. 

Have you tried the CoverGirl Lipslicks Smoochies? 

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CoverGirl Bombshell Pow-der Brow and Liner in 810 Medium Brown

The Bombshell Pow-der Brow and Liner in 810 Medium Brown ($9.99) is a new launch from CoverGirl. If you've been a long-time reader (or have seen me in person) then you'll also know that I'm a total noob when it comes to eyebrows. "Filling in" my brows yields furry caterpillar-like results. However, I'm always in the mood to try brow products, as I'm interested in how they'll turn out for me. I figured if the CoverGirl Bombshell Pow-der Brow and Liner didn't work out well for my brows, I could still use it as an eyeliner. 

The applicator is a little strange for a liner or a brow product. It's a foam tip that isn't particularly precise and quite floppy. The colour 810 Medium Brown is most certainly the wrong colour for my jet black brows (other colours are Very Black, Dark Brown and Blonde). I put Medium Brown on my brows and eyes anyways. 

As a brow product: Application was awkward and messy with the foam wand thingy. If you pick this up, be sure to tap off the excess product before putting the applicator near your eyeballs (or risk fallout galore). It's not precise enough for a sharp brow look but okay for filling in sparse areas. It stuck in my brows pretty well and wore away after 4 hours. I'd suggest applying a brow mascara over top to prolong the colour. 

As an eyeliner: The foam applicator was slightly easier to use on my lashline. Again, it isn't easy to work with, so you have to use a steady hand for a nice line. Since the product is a powder, using the Bombshell Pow-der as an eyeliner has a similar effect to swiping some eyeshadow on your lashline. It also wore quite similarly to an eyeshadow and faded away softly throughout the day. 

Overall, this did not work for me. Perhaps in a different colour, the powder would work out but the floppy foam applicator made things tricky. 

Have you tried the CoverGirl Bombshell Pow-der Brow and Liner? 

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CoverGirl Eyeshadow Quad in Notice Me Nudes

Who doesn't love a good ol' neutral palette? The last CoverGirl nude eyeshadow palette that I tried was a total dud (CoverGirl Eye Enhancers Quad in Sheerly Nudes) and I had lost all hope in CoverGirl pressed eyeshadows. Newly launched at the drugstore is the CoverGirl Eye Shadow Quad in 700 Notice Me Nudes (~$7.99). These reformulated eyeshadows bear striking resemblance to the Maybelline Eye Studio Palettes and boast smooth, even application with rich, buildable color pigments. My only hope in testing out this palette was that CoverGirl could redeem itself in the eyeshadow department. 

The new CoverGirl Eye Shadow Quads are available in hues of gold, purple, silver, pink and blue - 705 Go for the Golds, 710 Va-Va Violets, 715 Stunning Smokeys, 720 Blooming Blushes, 725 Breathtaking Blues. 

... And I was thoroughly impressed. Smooth, blendable shadows with rich pigmentation. Notice Me Nudes is 1,000-fold better than Sheerly Nudes. While this isn't a particularly groundbreaking drugstore eyeshadow quad, it's quite good. There's a little fallout but shades pair well together, there's a nice range of finishes, and the shadows are easy to work with. 

There's no sort of names or instructions for each of the shades in the palette. From the left, 'd describe the first shade as a pearly champagne, the second as a rich shimmering cocoa, the third as a matte neutral brown and the last as a matte deep brown with gold shimmer.  

A quick glance at the CoverGirl website explains what the whole "1, 2, 3, 4" on the packaging means in the "how to apply" section. The numbers are 4 steps to create an eyeshadow look using the quad. 

1. Illuminate. Cover the base of your eye from lash line to brow bone
2. Enrich. Sweep your eyelid gently with a pop of rich color
3. Frame. Blend each shade into the crease along the outer half of the eyelid. 
4. Intensify. Contour by Apply Shadow along your eye line emphasizing the outer corner. 

These steps are a no-brainer for me, quite representative of how I normally apply neutral eyeshadows. Following the "how-to" yields the above look. 

Overall, CoverGirl has put out a very viable option for an everyday neutral palette. 110%, go for the new Eye Shadow Quads instead of the Eye Enhancers ones and you won't be disappointed. 

Have you tried the new CoverGirl Eye Shadow Quads? 

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CoverGirl Full Lash Bloom Mascara in Black

Long time no mascara review, mainly because I've found favourites in the Shu Uemura Petal Lash Mascara and the CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara. The CoverGirl Full Lash Bloom Mascara ($7.99) is the latest from CoverGirl. 

Here's the little advert blurb: 

"With Full Lash Bloom Mascara, get exceptional lash fullness that’s soft - even to the touch. With our new petal-shaped brush and mousse formula with natural beeswax, lashes are never stiff or brittle. Perfect for everyday wear, Full Lash Bloom Mascara is also safe for contact lens wearers and is ophthalmologically tested. So bring out every last lash, and embrace you in full bloom!"

SOFT EYELASHES? Is that even a thing? I'm quite fond of CoverGirl mascaras, so I was ecstatic to give this one a whirl. 

For the most part, it looks like your typically CoverGirl mascara tube...except for the fact that it comes in the girliest looking tube of life. Pink with little flowers. The 5 year old inside me loves this. 

The wand is plastic with short bristles. Generally, I like these kinds of wands, as I find that they work well for minimizing clumpiness and separating the lashes (see CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara).  

The end result? A little lackluster. While there's some definite lengthening and separating action going on, it's not enough for me. I want more. More volume, more length. As for soft lashes, I can't really say. It feels just like any other mascara. 

Does it lengthen? Yes. Does it volumize? Not really. Does it clump? No. Does it smudge? No. Does it droop? Very little. 

While this isn't my favourite mascara, it's a good pick if you're looking for a mascara that is lengthening yet natural looking. If you're looking for something a hair more dramatic and volumizing try the Clump Crusher or something a little more pricey with a false lash effect try the Shu Uemura Petal Lash Mascara. 

Have you ever tried a "touchably soft mascara"? 

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CoverGirl Ink It! Gel Eyeliner in Black Ink and Aquamarine Ink

EYELINER MONDAY!! This week's feature is the CoverGirl Ink It! By Perfect Point Plus Gel Eyeliner in 230 Black Ink and 240 Aquamarine Ink  (~$7). It's available in 6 shades, with the additional ones being 255 Silver Ink, 260 Cocoa Ink, 250 Charcoal Ink and 235 Golden Ink. 

I like the sleek black packaging but ah gosh darn it. It's another one of those non-retractable eyeliners. The worst part about this particular eyeliner being non-retractable is that if you twist it too far up, it'll crumble off into chunks. 

I'll get straight to the point and say that this particular eyeliner is on my list of "do not buy" products. It's the farthest thing from creamy and applies more along the lines of draggy and patchy. Typically, you'd expect harder liners to stay put all day but Black Ink transfers onto the eyelid and migrates to my lower lash line as well. It's such a shame because Aquamarine Ink is such a beautiful colour and doesn't smudge but it's so hard to use because of the crumbling. 

Have you tried the CoverGirl Ink It! Gel Eyeliners? 

Press sample featured. This is part of my eyeliner monday series - where I review a different eyeliner every...Monday. :) See more eyeliner reviews here. 

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CoverGirl + Olay FaceLift Effect Firming Makeup and the De-Puffer Concealer in 340 Light/Medium

Not that I'll actually need a facelift anytime time soon (I'm only 20, gosh darn it!) but it's always interesting to try makeup products that claim to do so. The CoverGirl + Olay Facelift Effect Firming Makeup (foundation) ($16.99-18.99) claims to provide "luxurious, flawless coverage combined with the powerful hydrating effects of a night cream". Alongside the foundation, I've been testing out a product that's a little more age appropriate, the CoverGirl + Olay The De-Puffer. 

The packaging? For the foundation - a glass-tic (looks like glass...is actually plastic) pot that I highly dislike, as it leaves me with one of two options: (1) get foundation all up in your nails (2) purchase a foundation spoon. The concealer is housed in a hygienic tube with a cooling tip applicator (I'm going to dare to compare the tip to the likes of the Marc Jacobs Remedy Concealer Pen...). 

The CoverGirl + Olay Facelift Effect Firming Makeup comes in 4 shades (fair, light, light/medium, medium) and the Covergirl + Olay the De-Puffer Concealer is available in 6 (fair, fair/light, light, light/medium/medium, medium/deep). 

< CoverGirl + Olay Facelift Effect Firming Makeup // Light/Medium >

The Facelift Effect Firming Makeup provides a natural, glowy finish. The product contains "skin brighteners", light-reflecting pearls that create a warming effect and luminosity to the skin. I can definitely see the brightening effect come through. Lasting power is average at 5 hours of wear-time, though it wears away nicely (no weird patches). The colour match is a little light but nothing that can't be fixed with a little bronzer. As for the skincare and "facelift" benefits, this product is too hydrating for my skin. I don't typically break out from face products but after two days of wear, I broke out on my cheeks.

< CoverGirl + Olay the De-Puffer Concealer // 340 Light/Medium >

I'm already in love with this concealer because of the applicator. It reminds me of one of those rollerball metal eye cream applicators that help to de-puff your eyes. This is part of the Power of 3 that CoverGirl/Olay claims in terms of this product. The other two aspects are a serum containing cucumber extract to soothe the undereyes and a slightly warmer shade (compared to a foundation) to counteract dark circles. I can't confirm the former but I agree with the latter (see swatches below!). The concealer is very thin and light coverage and dries down to a semi-matte finish. Staying power is comparable to that of the Firming Makeup at 5 hours. Due to lack of coverage that this product provides, I would only suggest this product for the eyes, as that's the area that it targets. 

Left to Right: CoverGirl + Olay FaceLift Firming Makeup; the De-Puffer Concealer in 340 Light/Medium 

Overall, I love the effect that both these products provide. It's such a shame that the firming makeup broke me out but I'll continue to use the CoverGirl + Olay the De-Puffer for the awesome cooling metal tip! 

Do you use products that aren't targeted to your age group? 

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CoverGirl Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation in 120 Nude Beige and Concealer in 305/310 Medium/Deep

It seems as though CoverGirl is continually launching new face products and I'm always testing something or other CoverGirl base products out (see TruBlend, Outlast 3-in-1, Whipped Clean Cream). Latest from CoverGirl is the Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation (~$7.99) and Concealer (~$5.99). 

THE CLAIMS

• FOUNDATION - "One simple step for a flawless, natural look that lasts all day. The formula blends easily to even skin tone and reduces shine all day - oil free, won't clog pores, suitable for sensitive skin, lasts all day."
• CONCEALER - "Get insta-gorgeous with Ready Set Gorgeous! The oil-free concealer helps cover up imperfections and dark circles instantly. The lightweight formula blends easily for all day coverage."

The packaging is a little juvenile for my tastes - pink and youthful. The foundation is housed in a plastic squeeze tube, which, believe it or not, is quite hygienic. On the other hand, perfect hygiene is not the case due to the doe foot applicator of the Ready Set Gorgeous Concealer.

Okay, so first thing's first. Neither the Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation in 120 Nude Beige nor the Ready  Set Gorgeous Concealer in Medium/Deep were chosen by me for myself. 120 Nude Beige is ridiculously pale on me (i.e. it won't match me in the Winter). Of the 12 shades available, Nude Beige is not the one. However, the Concealer in 305/310 Medium/Deep is perfect. I don't know how a person who is actually 305/310 Medium/Deep will be able wear this. I think it's safe to say that if you're a couple shades darker than me, go for 315/220 Deep. 

The foundation is medium coverage with a matte finish and not particularly blendable. Although it's lightweight (as per the claims) I feel as though the product sits atop my skin rather than warming up to my skin and melding into it. If you're not careful, you'll get some visible streak marks. The foundation does keep oil at bay for up to 5 hours but it doesn't adhere to the skin well, so white t-shirts beware. 

As for the concealer, it's also quite lightweight and blends in quite flawlessly. The shade is just right for both my undereyes and atop blemishes. It's not amazing for covering up large areas of redness or blemishes but if you're just looking to even out your skintone a little for a "no-makeup-makeup-look" then this is perfect. Unlike the foundation, the coverage of the Ready Set Gorgeous Concealer lasts all day. 

Overall, I'd pass on the Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation and just stick with the Concealer instead. There's also a Ready Set Gorgeous Pressed Powder Foundation, which is quite intriguing, so if you've tried that let me know what you think! 

Have you tried the CoverGirl Ready Set Gorgeous line? 

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CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Glosses in 285 Mint Mojito and 300 Vio-last

These. Polishes. Are. PERFECTION. I've previously reviewed the CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss formula in the colours Skylight, Appletini, Orange Oasis, and Snow Storm and the latest two shades to hit the mess that is my "beauty desk" are no exception. 285 Mint Mojito and 300 Vio-last are a little more potent than everybody's favourite mint and lilac pastels but these bolder polishes are a much stronger transition going from summer to fall and fall into winter. 

Let's take a moment to ooohh and ahhh at the CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Glosses in Mint Mojito and Vio-last...

 

I'm going to repeat myself (as aforementioned in the last three posts featuring CoverGirl polishes). The formula is great. Opacity can be achieved in on coat, the polish is not overly thick or thin, and the shine and the colour itself remains chip-free for up to 3 days. 

If you're not into these two beauties, be sure to check out the other colours! 

NOTE: After a rough day of packing and moving out of my apartment in Waterloo back to Toronto, I've said goodbye to my long beautiful nails that are now cut short into little nubbins of nothingness. A little depressing but at least they'll grow back eventually...

I am a #beautyunited blogger and receive special access to events, info, and press samples. This, in no way, changes my opinion of the products featured. THESE POLISHES ARE SO GORGEOUS. 

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Revisiting the CoverGirl TruBlend Foundation in m3 Golden Beige

Constant makeup struggle - foundation matching. When CoverGirl came out with a whole new range of foundation colours I got super excited. At the time, I didn't get the right colour but to my surprise in a brand spankin new bottle of a possible match came in the mail. Here's how it went... 

Remember my oompa loompa experience and review of the CoverGirl TruBlend Foundation in m4 Sand Beige? 

The new colour (m3 Golden Beige) is a much better fit! YAY. 

This time around, the colour matches well enough that I don't mind wearing it around all day. It's actually lighter than the colour of my face but definitely matches the rest of my my body to a T (which means that there was no way that M4 Sand Beige would ever work). The verdict? It's a pretty decent foundation - medium coverage with a natural (not dewy) finish. It's easy to apply with fingers or a brush and lasts about 5 hours on my summer skin (extra sweaty and oily... yumm). This won't be my go-to foundation around this particular time of year, but come winter/fall, it will be a nice pick-me-up for dryer skin. 

Have you tried the CoverGirl TruBlend Foundation? 

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CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Snow Storm

In the beginning of June, I professed my love for white nails, noting my struggle with finding the perfect white polish. The struggle is real but I think it's over. Once upon a time, the CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Snow Storm made its way into my mailbox and I fell in love. 

Consistent with the other colours in the CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss range (Skylight, Appletini, Orange Oasis) the formula is neither thin nor thick and definitely not gloopy or streaky. Despite being white, Snow Storm is surprisingly opaque in 2 coats (sometimes you'll need three depending on how good you are at applying polish). It stays put without chipping for 3-4 days and is so shiny that it doesn't require a top coat. Something about this polish just works for me and I like it.

Of course, this isn't a perfect white polish. I'd much rather have a one-coat white polish (which I don't think I'll ever find). I'm still open to trying more white polishes but for now this is my go-to for the perfect white nail or a great nail art base. 

Have you tried any polishes from the CoverGirl line? 

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5 Products, 5 Minutes || #GottaTurnItUp Challenge #2

It seems like I'm always in a rush. While I love taking my time with makeup application in the mornings, life isn't always willing to provide me with those few extra minutes to get ready. Enter the five products in five minutes. 

< one >  Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream 

The best thing about BB cream is that you can haphazardly slap it on your face and run. There's no time to wait for the product to sink in and you'll never have to worry about streak marks. It has the tiniest bit of coverage that gives you that "I-woke-up-like-this" kind of look. 

< two >  CoverGirl Ready, Set, Gorgeous Concealer 

But let's be real. Those fun little pimples and dark circles need a little more love than some BB Cream. That's where concealer comes in. The new CoverGirl Ready, Set, Gorgeous concealer provides natural looking coverage to cover up my itty bitty imperfections. 

< three > CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara

No need for much explanation, this is my all time favourite mascara. No smudges and no clumps in sight. Check out my original review here. 

< four > CoverGirl LipPerfection in Eternal 

The best way for people to forget that your hair is gross and you're not wearing any pants is if you distract them with a bold lip (Jenn @ A Beautiful Zen will agree) . See a few more colour options from the line here. 

< five > Pantene Pro V Original Fresh Dry Shampoo 

It might sound gross to some, but I try to wash my hair as little as possible, the only issue being that it gets gross and oily by day #2. Dry shampoo works wonders and adds some much needed volume to flat hair. And if I don't have time to brush it all out, a simple side braid ties everything together. 

How do you get ready with only 5 minutes?

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