Top 10 Spring Lip Products.

Hey ya'll!

This is a smidge late, but Spring is upon us...sort of. I mean, in Texas it's already basically summer weather, which sucks. And I know that a lot of other places are still feeling winter weather. But, regardless, it is essentially Spring season.

So, these are my favorite lip products for the Spring time. I probably won't do a Summer one, because they're essentially the same, minus one or two of them.

I have five chapstick like products:

ELF Hydrating/Conditioning pot in Nice & Natural
TokyoMilk in Salted Caramel.

 The ELF pot is actually fairly pigmented, meaning you'll get a very faint "nude lips" look when you apply this. If I'm wearing a nude lip during the day and since I live in TX and have to worry about heat, if I don't want the lipstick I used to melt in my purse, I generally just throw this little pot into my bag. It really does work with touching up nude lips, and it's amazing on it's own.

The ToyoMilk tin is something I picked up from Sephora at the counter as an impulse buy and then fell in love with it. Zero color. Great taste. And probably the most hydrating thing in my whole fucking collection, seriously. I keep this thing by my bed or in my purse at all times.

Baby Lips in Pink Punch. Blistex Fruit Smoothies in Berry Explosion and Melon Medley

 Baby Lips is an on and off product for me. Sometimes I use it all the dang time, and other times I can't stand it and it just sits in the bottomless lip drawer in my collection. Lately I've been using it, which is obviously why I decided to put it in this post. I think Baby Lips is a good product for people who aren't into lip stick, because it's not heavy like a lipstick and it's not super pigmented. The Pink Punch one would be great for Spring also. :)

Blistex chapstick is just fucking perfect. That's all I got to say about this. These things are ridiculously hydrating, but also make your lips SOFT like velvet or some shit. It is awesome. Seriously. Just go buy some Blistex stuff and have yourself a little revelation.

 Moving onto favorite Springtime lipsticks:

From left to right:  NO7 in 80 Sienna, Sonia Kashuk in 80 Soft Nude, Wetn'Wild in 903C Just Peachy, Avon in U302 Sparkling Peach, Revlon in 027 Violet Frenzy.

NO7: I love this shade because it's perfect for my skin color. I guess I have kind of an olive skin tone because my family is Native American. But I'd say this is a coral on the more orange side than anything, and it's not for everyone, but it's worth a try. I picked it up at Target when they were clearancing all the NO7 stuff out. I think I got it for like 2 bucks. Hell yeah.

Sonia Kashuk: THIS IS MY PERFECT NUDE. This is honestly my favorite lipstick I've ever gotten and I just.. I just love it so much that I want to do a whole post about it. I can't even.

Wetn'Wild: These lipsticks are a dollar something after tax, and most of them are pretty matte. This one is completely matte on the lips, even though in the swatch it's not looking "matte" like, sorry about that. This is a really pretty classic pink that I think would be flattering on any skin tone. PLUS, so cheap!

Avon: One thing first, my Mom has been selling Avon for almost 21 years, so I have a crapshoot ton of Avon products. I've seen a lot of people bash Avon or say they're overpriced or whatever qualm they have with the brand. I don't care, because honestly they're a lot cheaper than a lot of shit at Sephora. With that being said, nah, I do not pay full price for anything I have Avon related, if I pay at all. I do think they're a quality brand though. Anyhow, this lipstick is one of the truest "peach" lipsticks I've ever had. A lot of lipsticks claim to be peach but end up just being a pink color. EXCUSE ME HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A PEACH?

Revlon: I say if you're going to keep wearing darker shades into the Spring, this is how it's done. This is a duo chrome kind of finish purple. So, it gives the appearance of multi colors and also ends up looking shiny and light like a lipgloss. It's one of my favorite purple lipsticks for the warmer months, honestly. Plus, Revlon is just on point with their lipsticks. I've only ever gotten one that I didn't like.

I hope ya'll enjoyed this post and have an awesome day!

Love, Noralee

Simple Bronze Holiday Look!

 Just a simple look you could use for everyday or for the holidays. :)


I primed my lids with Mark's Primed for Perfection, you can use whatever primer you want. I then used the second lightest shade in the Kat Von D Saint palette all over my lid.

 Then I used the ELF essential bronzer in Sunkissed in my crease. I wanted something really outrageously bronze, and I couldn't find anything in my collection that had that feel except this bronzer. Oh well.

 Then to deepen my crease I used the lighter brown color in the Saint palette, and the darkest brown on my outer corner and lower lash line. And blendddd. :)

I used the lightest color in the Saint palette for my inner corner highlight and my brow bone highlight. 

The swatches above are all of the colors I used for this look. 

Love, Noralee

My beauty christmas list!

1. Too Faced: Better than false lashes
2. ELF Large Stiple brush
3. Lush Sweet Lips lip scrub
4. Naked2 by Urban Decay
5. Benefit's Full Glam Ahead box.
6. Urban Decay: Eyelash Primer Potion
7. ELF eye refresh
8. And a years worth of subscription box service. (not decided yet between myglam & glossy box.)

What's on your beauty christmas wishlist? :)

Love, Noralee

Hit or Shit?: ELF HD Powder.

 This is the ELF HD Powder. It isn't new, but this is the first time I've tried it. It is available on the website in the this one, and one called "body glow" or something along those lines - it is the same packaging but I think it wouldn't be of use to me, because it looks kind of like a "glittery" bronze and I'm not a big fan of all over shimmer powder stuff. Butttt, if you've tried it and I'm wrong, correct me! This product is $6.00 and worth above and beyond every penny of that.

 The packaging is a matte black container, very sleek. And comes with the powder puff above. Which it is soft and great quality, but not to sound like a snob - I just like my brushes better when applying. I'm totally keeping the puff though, because I'm sure I'll find a use for it, and if not, it's just too cute to get rid of, really.

 This is what it looks like with the grate on top of it.

And here it is removed so you can see the actual product.

This gives your face a total finished feeling. I am so in love with it. It is one of their more "expensive" items, which is why it's taken me so long to just get it and try it out. I got it at my local Target a little over two weeks ago, and have been trying it out on different temperature/humid days to see how it holds up. The thing I think I'm most impressed with is the fact that it can make any foundation you're wearing look not only flawless, but like it is not there at all. I've tried wearing this two different ways, the first being all over my face. And the second was an experimentation, where I didn't blend my makeup line as well as normal, to see if this would do anything to it. It does. It sets in, perfectly. Besides the sheer fact that something translucent acts with such coverage, it also blends other products well. I think this product is very versatile and something that has quickly become a staple into my everyday face routine. Did I mention it feels like silk on your face? True story! I don't know if it's just my imagination but ever since I started using this, I've felt like my face has been getting softer.

This is totally a hit, and really worth trying out. In fact, it's already on my repurchase list.
ALSO, I think I will order and extra for my giveaway, if you'd guys be interested. ;p

Have any of you tried ELF's HD Powder? Or something similar?

Love, Noralee

ELF Jumbo Eyeshadow Sticks: FAQ

I got a bunch of questions about the ELF Eyeshadow sticks, so I wanted to get this little Faa posted before anything else in my queue posts. Also, I am at school, typing from my Kindle Fire so I apologize for any formatting mishaps and grammatical errors.

1. Do you wear primer with them?


Yes. Mark Primed for Perfection is what I’ve been using, which is more a matte primer rather than a liquid-y one. I’ve yet to try it out with my primer potion of ELF primer, but I’m sure it works just as well. I just happen to like my Mark primer because it can be used as an eyeshadow easily. I really hope they come out with a shade similar to Nyx’s Milk because you could use it as a base and probably (depending on your lids) get away with not using primer at all.

2. Creasing?

With primer, my colors stayed 5+ hours before noticeably creasing. I have slightly hooded lids, so there’s an obvious amount of crease just from that. Without primer, I noticed that the lighter shades I own such as Little Miss Thing and French Lace faded out after a while. But, Turkish Coffee and Rock Out didn’t budge.

3. Do they dry up/get flaky?

No. So far, I’ve worn these shades a total of four times since I’ve gotten, even wearing them today at school, not once have they gotten dry or flaky. I have fairly oily lids, which is also why I tend to lean more towards matte primers. So, my biggest advice is primer. Finding a primer that works with your type of lid. If you’ve never tried a primer I think a really good starter one to check out would be ELF’s dollar primer. It’s a dollar and it’ll help you find out what kind of primer will be well off on your lid.

4. Blending ability?

These blend very well. You can blend them with your fingers or a blending brush very easily, and yes, they do layer with each other well. I think these are actually a lighter formula than the Nyx pencils. I forget that I am wearing them, which I think is nice. You can achieve dramatic looks without feeling like your eyelids are heavy of makeup and without using a lot of product. They also hold powder very well. I’ve put a matter brown over the Turkish Coffee color before, and it holds the colors very nicely in a breathable manner that still allows you to blend. These are very versatile.

5. Is there a drying time before you can layer another color?

Since these are a stick, they’re not as creamy or “wet” as you’re probably thinking. So, no, I haven’t found that they need any time to dry before applying another color.

6. Watery outer corner of eyelids?

Dude! I have this problem too. Well, had. Though my lids are still oily and do get watery on the outer and inner corners. I’ve found a solution. Before I do my eye makeup, I take an oil blotting sheet and blot both of my eyes. Then proceed to put on primer, which I’ve found if I alternate between using a more matte primer and my other “wet” primers, it helps my lids out in the oil/watery department. Another trick is to just put extra primer on the spots that you notice losing color/getting more watery. It totally helps, I swear. I know Mark isn’t exactly cheap always, I think my primer was like $38, but I do know Wet n’ Wild had a similar primer that comes in a pot, and so does Nyx. :)



Again, there are 10 different shades of these eyeshadow sticks and they are $2.00 each. They’re definitely worth it. :) If you have any other questions or comments, leave em below in the comments.

Love, Noralee

Swatches: ELF Jumbo Eyeshadow Sticks

 These are from ELF's new products. They are $2.00 and come in ten shades.
From the right these are: French Lace, Rock Out, Little Miss Thing, and Turkish Coffee.

 Little Miss Thing is on the left, below that Rock Out.
Turkish Coffee on the right, below that French Lace.

Honestly, I really love these. They are ridiculously pigmented, have nice staying power, and blend WELL. I really like wearing French Lace as a base (because they do not have a white like Nyx's Milk yet, which sucks, but hopefully they'll get one!), and then Little Miss Thing over the lid, and Turkish Coffee in my crease, outer v, and lower lash line. I'll try to post a photo of this sometime soon so ya'll can see how that looks. I think they look great together. :)

These are totally a steal at $2.00, seriously! Check them out before the colors start going out of stock!

Love, Noralee

Swatches: ELF Jumbo Lip Gloss Stick.

This is from ELF's newer line of products. These are $2 and come in eight different shades.

I got "In the Nude" and "Tiki Torches."

These are really creamy and pigmented. I'm definitely going to buy more of them soon.

Love, Noralee

Things to come:

Hey ya'll. :)

I've gotten things fixed up around the house, so I'll probably be posting a hugeeee collective haul of all the things I've been hinting at in posts lately. ;p It'll be rad and fun.

Tomorrow I'm cramming for a Lit test, so my Snippets Sunday might be frumpy and wired with caffeine. Haha. :) Speaking of school, I'm doing a project for my Humanities class on sexual assault and if ya'll could take this short (seriously 10 quick questions) survey, it'd mean a lot to me. Did I mention it is completely anonymous? YEP! And the link can be found, here.

I recently ordered some from the new line from ELF, so stoked about that stuff! If you haven't seen their new products, you should, here. And if you don't know about ELF, they're an amazing make up company with great prices. :)

ALSO! I have most of the product reviews I mentioned written and in a queue now, so I hope you all enjoy those as they post.

I love all of you and can't thank you enough for reading my blog. :)

Love, Noralee

Hit or Shit?: ELF Essential Line Tinted Moisturizer.

I wear tinted moisturizers typically in the summer and pre-fall in Texas because of how hot and humid it is. I picked this up because it is getting to where I can start back in on my foundation routine but it's also not completely cool enough. My current tinted moisturizer was kind of spendy so I'd like to save as much as possible for the days I'll really need it, not the days where I got up and figured it'd be hot, only to walk outside and realize, oh shit, I need a sweater.

REAL TALK: This stuff is light weight, easy blending, stays put, and gives more coverage than my other tinted moisturizer. I was seriously surprised. Plus, since this is a part of their Essential Line it was only $1.00. Of course that means, as you can see in the first photo, not a lot of product. But, I do know they have them in bigger packaging on their Studio Line for $3.00. (They've even come out with an oil-free line.)

You do get a lot for the fact that it costs one dollar, I'd say. It's definitely not a one use bottle. I've used it about 4 times now and will say a little really does go a long way. This is a hit. :)

Love, Noralee

ELF Cream Eyeliner Swatches & Small Review

The packaging is kind of small, but the staying power is amazing. So, you wouldn't need to reapply it throughout the day, and a little of it goes an extremely long way.

These swatches stayed on my arm for a long time! I used a Nutrogena wipe, nothing. I scrubbed with a brush in the sink, a little bit of movement. Took a long hot shower, scrubbed, finally. And even then it still stained my skin well. I think these have awesome staying power and pigmentation for the fact that they were $3.00 each.

Love, Noralee

Swatches: ELF Studio Blush in Gotta Glow

I realllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllly adore this "blush."

It's more of a highlight, and I use it all over. :) I am going to get like three more, because I can already tell I'll probably hit pan quick on this one just from how much I use it. It's easily become a large staple in my daily makeup routine. DEFINITELY  hit and worth $3.00.

Love, Noralee

Hit or Shit?: ELF's Eyebrow Kit (Medium)

 I've been trying out the ELF Eyebrow Kit, in Medium.

It comes with a dark cream, and light powder. So, typically, I fill my eyebrows in with the dark cream, and then use the light powder as a setting powder for them.

 This is what the color looks like when you build it up. (About 2-3 swatches.)

And this is what it looks like with just one swatch.

I did the swatches like this to show you that almost any shade of brown eyebrows light or dark could be used with this one kit. I like that there are options with this product. Some days all I do is take the powder and dust it into my eyebrows and go, those are just days when I know I'm going to be sweaty and in a hurry all day, but I don't want naked brows. Haha. And, the fact that you can build it up to a much darker shade is awesome, because I used this kit to fill in a young lady's brows for her senior photos when I was doing a shoot for her. Her brows were black, and I was able to build up this kits pigment easily to shade her brows in.

I think this kit is a hit for the price, it's from ELF's studio line, therefore $3.00.

Though, some days I gravitate back towards my pencil because it is quick and easy. I will say that sometimes with a pencil lines and get a little harsh by accident, and that is never the case with this kit. 

Love, Noralee 

Hit or Shit?: ELF Translucent Matifying Powder

 This is on ELF's Studio Line, hence the black packaging. It was $3.00

 I couldn't really swatch it, since it's a translucent powder. But, it will blend into any skin tone, if you were wondering.

I got this stuff just on a whim when I was ordering. I had the 50% off code for the studio line, and I'd heard some good stuff about this powder from some YouTubers.

I never expected to love it as much as I do. Seriously.

I keep it in my purse 24/7 now! It's like, you're going through your day and your face starts to feel a little oily, right? Just pull this out, put some of the powder over the oily area, and first of all, it doesn't smudge your make up, and second of all it soaks up all of the oil! I love it. When you use it over your foundation and powder routine, it isn't overpowering, it blends into your make up and gives you a more photofinish matte face look. It is gorgeous.

I live in Texas, so it's still really hot during our transition to cooler Fall times. So, I stick to wearing light coverage tinted moisterizer and pressed powder. I love the effect it gives your face when you put it on over your present make up. It looks smooth and airbrushed.

ELF's Translucent Matifying Powder is worth it, and totally a hit.

Love, Noralee

ELF: Countour Kit

I LOVE this kit. I've been waiting for a long dang time to try it out. It was never at my local Target, and it was sold out for awhile on the website.

I love the color of the blush. It is beautiful. And y'know, I've swatched it next to my panned beyond panned Nars Orgasm, and they are REMARKABLY close. This is a really inexpensive dupe, and I recommend it heavily.

A little goes a LONG way with both of the colors, but for me and my skin tone, it's really the bronze I have to be very careful with.

Both are smooth and blend very well. This product is totally a hit, and I think you should pick one up at your local Target or order one off of eyeslipsface.com :)

Love,Noralee

ELF Duo Eyeshadow in Butterpecan

And, below is how I wore it today. :) Sorry this photo of my eyes is totally grainy. I didn't have time to take it with my real camera, so I used my phone. 

-Noralee