Hyped Up Products: Are They Worth It?

Is it only Wednesday? Thank goodness today has been GREAT so far! I've hauled a few goodies over the last couple of months that are by no means new releases, but I was prompted to buy them since I have heard beauty bloggers buzz hard about them for quite some time. Here's my quick take on these hyped up products...

FYI here is the rating scale I am using...
1 = Not Worth It
2 = Kind of Worth It.
3 = Mostly Worth It.
4 = Definitely Worth It!
5 = Excruciatingly Worth It!!!

NYX Lip Gloss in Beige
You are not color blind: this lip gloss is pink. And a beautiful, warm pink at that! I've gotta say, this is pretty nice. It's the kind of pink that leaves your make up looking subtle but polished. I can see this shade being flattering on all skin tones. I own a few other NYX glosses and I love the formulation (just the right amount of smoothness, not too sticky) but sometimes the artificial cherry scent is too much for me. It's really the only major drawback. Grade: 3/5.

NYX Powder Blush in Pinched
Really nice peachy pink blush (seriously, people, how many different ways can you say "peachy pink?")! It does contain gold shimmer particles, but it is definitely still nice for daytime. I do have some redness in my cheeks, so I probably wouldn't wear this blush unless I am using a foundation with good coverage or use a good amount of concealer because it would otherwise make my cheeks look way too pink. Staying power is okay, but a little reapplication never killed nobody. Grade: 3/5.

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso
I know, I know: another blush! I already own a peach blush (my beloved MAC Peaches!) but I was drawn to the gorgeous sheen that this product leaves on the cheeks. It really is lovely and just as beautiful as everyone claims it to be, a nice almost blush PLUS highlight. I actually got cheeky (pun intended!) and layered this one over MAC Peaches and WOW! the effect was glamorous. Grade: 4/5.

Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids Lipsticks in Shocking Coral, Vivid Rose, & Neon Red
These lipsticks have been so popular for Spring and Summer, as you very well may know. The formulation is creamy, the lipstick has a long wear time (I went to touch up after about 3-4 hours and the lipstick still appeared pretty pigmented on the majority of my mouth, with only some lightening near the center of my lips), and the colors are so richly pigmented. I am a nude lip lover so bold lips are a bit outside of the box for me, but I have so enjoyed wearing these lipsticks in the last couple of weeks. I have eyed Shocking Coral since this collection hit the shelves and it is truly a stunning, bright coral! I also love it because it matches the Miami aesthetic and would look beautiful with a beach backdrop. Vivid Rose is also nice (it's like Pantone Rubine Red) but looking back, I probably would not have purchased it since it is only a tad more magenta than Shocking Coral. Neon Red is just gorgeous and so striking with a full face of make up. Red-orange lipsticks are highly underrated, even on fair broads like me and I hope to continue to get good wear out of this lipstick. Overall, the Vivids collection get max points for pigmentation, color range, and wear time. Grade: 5/5.

Wet 'n' Wild Single Eyeshadows in Brulee and Nutty
Widely famous as dupes for MAC's Brulee and Satin Taupe, I put these two shadows to the test. Brulee is a lovely, matte bone color for all over the lid. There is not much else to say about it except that it's a great staple for every collection (and it cost less than $2!). Nutty is a really pretty bronzey-taupe. In the pan, it looks like it almost has a blue tint. I love wearing this color all over the lid and then blending it out with MAC Wedge (...or Omega) in the crease. Really gorgeous color. Overall, I love these WnW single shadows, as they are so beautifully pigmented. They are so cute and dainty and small enough to chuck in your bag! Grade: 4/5.

L-R: Pinched, Luminoso, Brulee, Nutty

Have you tried any of these out?

Au revoir!
V.

Bonus Bits

• I would have also included the Revlon Photo Ready Bronzer on this list also, but I thought it'd be overkill since it is also in my June monthly favorites, but in any case, you know how much I love that bronzer. Have you bought it yet??
• My coworker and I are working all this week in another county and we have been braving the drive by listening to Dr. Laura Schlessinger and Love and Sex with Dr. Jenn Berman. It takes me back to the nights I'd lie in bed listening to Love Line with Adam Carolla and Dr. Drew. Good stuff!
• Xabi is starting puppy obedience this weekend, and boy does he need it!....He also gets more beautiful every day.