Wednesday, October 31, 2012

NOTD: Halloween Edition!


 Happy Halloween!

 Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color- Black Out

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color- Orange Impulse

Wet n Wild Wild Shine Nail Color- Kaleidoscope

Seche Vite- Dry Fast Top Coat
 

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

October Beauty Buds



The Beauty of Louise- this fabulous blog is written by Louise, a gorgeous girl from the UK. I'm a frequent visitor of her site because not only is her layout so appealing to the eye (you really can't go wrong with pastels!) but she does detailed reviews of products and funky NOTD's that always give me inspiration for my next manicure. Be sure to stop by and say hello, Louise is so sweet you'll feel like you're talking to a friend!


Just so you guys know I've recently started offering advertising on Massachusetts Mask which you can find all the information on under the Sponsors page up top. 

Every month I'm going to be doing this post where you can meet my advertisers called "Beauty Buds"! So if you'd like to be a part of that be sure to check that page out because there's an option for everybody :)

Hope you're all staying safe with this crazy weather, we got lucky in Massachusetts considering how back New Jersey and New York have been hit. Thinking of you all!

Monday, October 29, 2012

5 Nail Polishes for Fall


Probably the most exciting part of fall for me is getting to break out all of my dark and neutral shades of nail polish! These colors go neglected by me all year until late September and then I just can't get enough of them. This year I have a select few that just scream fall to me and I keep going back to them!

Around the World in 80 Eyeshadows: Weekly Round-Up 10/29/12


Question of the Week:

Are you being festive this Halloween in your beauty or fashion choices?

Emily's answer: You know I'm not really one who does much in terms of beauty and fashion for Halloween, it's never really worked out for me! Don't get me wrong, I love this holiday but usually I spend it at home with some candy I bought at the store and scary movie marathons. That being said it's not like anyone really sees me on Halloween so there's not much point in putting a costume together. This year though I think I'm going to paint my nails in a festive way (don't worry, I'll do a special Halloween NOTD) and maybe wear some colorful eyeshadow, something a little different for me but still in my comfort zone!

This Week's Links:

Affairs Magazine- Michelle is feeling festive with her LUSH Bath!

Beauty & Baggage- falls in love with five eyeliners she scooped up for a bargain!

Fashionable Heart- got one of her dream bags this week!

Massachusetts Mask- has never found a blush she didn't like, but this new one from e.l.f. may have to be the first!

Norwegian Elephant- has finally found the perfect red lipstick!

Are you being festive this Halloween in your beauty or fashion choices?

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Target Beauty Bag Fall 2012 Contents


Hi guys, hope you're all staying safe with Hurricane Sandy raging through the East Coast right now (we're supposed to get hit tomorrow morning)!

Just in case the power goes out I wanted to get this post up since I've been hearing a lot of people have gotten their Fall 2012 Target Beauty Bag in the mail. It was offered at the beginning of October as Target's last beauty bag ever, sorry if you missed out!

Saturday, October 27, 2012

e.l.f. Studio Blush in Tickled Pink: Review, Photos, & Swatches


The soft sheer texture blends into the skin for a silky finish. Designed to be worn alone or layered for more depth. Highlight your complexion with a subtle healthy glow!

Apply to the apples of the cheeks or any other area you wish to highlight.

Where to Buy: eyeslipsface.com, $3.00

The e.l.f. Studio Blush in Tickled Pink ($3.00 for .168 oz.) is a neutral medium pink blush that looks like it has a hint of shimmer in the pan but turns up matte on the skin. I've had this particular color in my collection for a while and its surprising how much I dislike it considering how well the other e.l.f. Studio Blushes perform!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

A Mascara Better Than CoverGirl Lash Blast?!


When I first heard CoverGirl was coming out with a new version of their amazing LashBlast mascara called LashBlast Clump Crusher from Nouveau Cheap, I was a little apprehensive.

Honestly most brands like to take their best selling product and milk it by creating products off of it which aren't up to par with the original! That's why I wasn't really thinking this new mascara would be anything ground breaking, but after hearing Josh Collier rave about it on Twitter, I rushed to watch his new video with first impressions.

Seeing him apply it in the video, I'M AMAZED! The original LashBlast has been the closest to holy grail I've found as I mentioned in a big mascara review post a while back, but it still has its issues which is why I haven't officially handed out the HG title.

But the amazing volume and length Josh had in is video where he applies it on camera is like love at first sight for me! I'm not usually one who goes crazy for mascaras because I've got a million open at the moment (more like 6...) that I need to make my way through, but I will throw them all out in an instant if the CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara looks that amazing on me!

So what do you guys think, something you want to try?

Dry Skin Woes


For as long as I can remember I had such dry skin until up about my Sophomore year of high school, then things started to change over to the oily side. It seemed to happen almost over night, it was like all of the sudden I woke up one day and was having trouble keeping my makeup from sliding off my face!

So when I figured out my skin was the culprit and I needed to totally change how I was caring for it, I was at a loss because I only knew to look for the most moisturizing products.


 Over the last two years I've completely changed my skin care around to cater to the oily-ness, you won't find any products in my bathroom cabinet that don't claim to help keep your skin matte throughout the day!

 Of course along the way I've gotten rid of my tinted moisturizers and have started picking up mattifying primers, oil control powders, etc.

But lately I think my skin has been switching back to its old dry ways (it's bipolar, I swear)! I've been having a ton of dry patches on my forehead, around my mouth, nose, eyes, pretty much everywhere. I haven't changed up my makeup routine, all my products have been the same (same with my skin care) so it leaves me thinking its just my skin switching things up again. The weather here is pretty mellow, nothing too cold to make me think that's the issue either.

So in a desperate attempt to help stop the flake-y patches I've been trying to research some new moisturizers. Its been a while since I needed something targeted towards dry skin so I grabbed a mini Pond's Dry Skin Cream so if it makes me break out or doesn't give me enough moisture I didn't buy a huge tub that will sit in my bathroom unused!

 
I've only used it for a few nights but it doesn't seem to be doing my skin any good. I'm starting to get a few big breakouts and the dry patches are still coming through when I put my foundation on.

Do you guys have any recommendations for moisturizers that won't irritate my acne prone skin?

Monday, October 22, 2012

NOTD: Golden-I


Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color- Golden-I

Seche Vite- Dry Fast Top Coat
 

Around the World in 80 Eyeshadows: Weekly Round-Up 10/22/12


Question of the Week:
 
What is one product that you had high hopes for but left you disappointed?

Emily's answer: I would have to go with MAC lipsticks, granted I've only ever tried the cremesheen finish but it was still so awful I don't plan on ever getting another lipstick from MAC! I got Creme d'Nude last year when I was obsessing over nude lips and just discovered MAC. It was just such a cake-y formula on my lips, sunk into every crevice and just look horrid (it wasn't the color, that was the only part that actually looked good)! It was so surprising to me because everyone and their mother raves about MAC lipsticks, the cremesheen finish in particular. Unless there was a color that I just absolutely cannot dupe in another brand, I will be staying far far away from the lipstick stand at MAC!

This Week's Links:

Beauty & Baggage- is pleasantly surprised by a budget beauty palette from Next.

Fashionable Heart- has already started her Christmas list!

Massachusetts Mask- reviews what should be called an industrial strength concealer from MAC!

Norwegian Elephant- has finally found the HG foundation she's been looking for!

What is one product that you had high hopes for but left you disappointed?

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Massachusetts Mask's 2 Year Anniversary!


Hi guys, hope you all had a lovely weekend and just as nice weather as Massachusetts (it was in the 80's here)!

I just wanted to point out on October 17th I have been officially blogging for 2 years :)! Its so weird to say that because I literally feel like I just started yesterday. I can still remember my first post on the Vitamin Schtick lip balms, it always makes me chuckle to go back and read it/see that all I used were stock photos.

I never would have thought I would've stuck with beauty blogging for this long, let alone come as far as I have! Its still so thrilling to me to see a new comment or see how many page views I've gotten on any given day. Its amazing to me to think back on all the opportunities Massachusetts Mask has given me, and I cannot wait to see what's in store for the future!

I'm always thankful to everyone who takes the time to read my little section of the internet :)

Saturday, October 20, 2012

The Smells of Fall: Bath & Body Works Haul


 Surprise surprise, another haul :). I feel like I have an overload of hauls this month just because fall is my favorite time of year and I feel the need to stock up on new makeup, new clothes, and most importantly, new scents!

You all know I'm a Bath & Body Works fiend, anything new they ever come out with I have to run out and grab. Recently they've had all the new fall scents: Honey Autumn Apple, Brown Sugar & Fig, Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin, and Dreamy Vanilla Woods.

When I heard that there was going to be a new apple fragrance I was jumping for joy, I'm crazy for anything apple and always have been! But of course I got distracted when I went in to grab it and ended up getting some other goodies as well.

DUPE: Urban Decay Naked Palette Eyeshadow in Sin


 The Urban Decay Naked Palette is one of my most coveted items, I use it every day without fault! Lately I've been cycling through my other eyeshadows to find a lot of them are similar to shades in the Naked Palette.

I'm going to start doing a lot more "DUPE" posts because nothing irritates me more than coming home with a new item only to find I pretty much have the exact same shade from another brand!

I used to think "dupe" meant a cheaper alternative to a higher priced item, but I don't know why it only just occurred to me that a dupe is really any product that looks or acts similar to another product no matter the price point.

So just recently I compared a shade in my collection to the eyeshadow Sin from the Naked Palette that are very similar in every way except cost!

Friday, October 19, 2012

A Brief History of Halloween


For many people nowadays, Halloween is a celebration of all things scary –
an excuse to let our hair down as autumn moves towards winter. But behind
the parties, pumpkins and Halloween costumes, there’s a rich historical
tradition.

The name ‘Halloween’ is first recorded in the 16th century and is taken from
the original name ‘All Hallows’ Eve’ for the night of October 31st – the day
before the Christian feast of All Hallows. All Hallows’ Eve was a time to
honour the saints and pray for the recently deceased. Traditions included
baking bread or cakes, and those celebrating would wear masks or costumes
to disguise themselves from the souls of the departed who were still walking
the earth.
 
However, there are almost certainly pre-Christian origins for this festival. For
the early Celts, New Year’s Day was 1 November and the night before was
called Samhain. Samhain was the festival of the end of summer, and the time
when the physical and supernatural worlds were thought to be close together.
The Celts believed that this meant that magical things could happen, so
fires were built to help ward off the spirits and crops and animals would be
sacrificed to the gods. It was believed that spirits returned to the earth and
would tell the druids about what to expect in the coming year.
 
Historians believe that after the Roman invasion of the British Isles, the
Romans brought together Samhain with a number of their own festivals which
honoured the season or the dead, such as Parentalia, Pomona and Feralia.
Eventually, in the 7th century, the Roman Pope Boniface IV decreed that it
would become a day for celebrating Christian martyrs.

There are many practices that are now commonly associated with the 31
October, and throughout the world millions of people of different religions
mark the holiday with parties, fancy dress, trick or treating, pumpkin carving,
bonfires and spooky games. But while it might seem all fun and games, this is
a celebration with a real story behind it – and you can find out more about the
history of the holiday here.

This post is brought to you by Wool Worths

MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer: Review & Photos


A lightweight, creamy, discreetly opaque concealer. Provides a smooth, long-wearing invisible coverage for all skin blemishes. Water-resistant, fragrance-free and non-acnegenic. This emollient-based, lightweight concealer is so concentrated that a tiny amount can provide opaque coverage of the skin's imperfections and discolourations. It effectively covers dark circles, blemishes, moles, tattoos and birthmarks. Enriched with antioxidants (derivatives of Vitamin A and Vitamin E), it also contains silica to help absorb the skin's oils. Concealer has broad spectrum SPF 35 protection and is available in a wide range of colours. It can be applied with a medium to firm fiber brush (try the 242 Shader Brush), a latex sponge, or the fingertips.

New packaging is being phased in for this product. Your shipped product might look slightly different than the one shown on this site.

 7 g / 0.24 US oz US$18.00

Where to Buy: maccosmetics.com, $18.00 

The MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer ($18.00 for 0.24 oz.) is one of those items in my collection that I've had a love/hate relationship with since I got it about a year and a half ago! It was recommended to me by the makeup artist at MAC when I was looking for something that would really help get rid of the hyperpigmentation I have on my face left over from acne.

I have the shade NW20 which has pink undertones which in turn help cancel out the blue/purple of the hyperpigmentation. Its really important that you get the right undertone in your concealer otherwise it won't do what you want it to! It MAC terms, NW basically means "not warm", warm being yellow toned. So if you're getting something marked NW you're getting something with a pink undertone (the confusing idea that MAC has is they label colors by what color you're not) which is generally good for covering up dark colors like blue or purple. NC is "not cool", so you're getting something with a yellow undertone because pink is cool toned, generally used to help cover up any redness.

It takes a while to get used to that way of thinking, but if you just go to a counter or store the makeup artist will give you the right color if you tell them what you want the concealer to cover!

But now onto the MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer Review!

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

NOTD: The Real Teal


Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color- The Real Teal

Seche Vite- Dry Fast Top Coat

Monday, October 15, 2012

Around the World in 80 Eyeshadows: Weekly Round-Up 10/15/12


Question of the Week:

What's the most expensive item in your makeup collection and was it worth the price?

Emily's answer: hands down has got to be my Sigma Essential Kit brushes that I ordered about a year and a half ago! It was so hard for me to fork over the $89.00 all at once, but I knew I was going to get 12 brushes that would hopefully last forever with good care. My brushes are still going strong even after all this time, of course the F40 Large Angled Contour brush has "poofed" out a little more over time, but that will pretty much happen with any brush you get. I've never had any problems with excessive shedding or loose ferrules, and Sigma does offer awesome customer service so that if anything happens with your brushes no matter how long ago you bought them you can ask for a replacement (as long as the brush wasn't damaged because of how you cared for it)! I don't regret my purchase, but of course I've found other awesome cheaper brands that make brushes that are just as good (e.l.f., Real Techniques, Eco Tools). So I guess I kind of wish when I was just starting out with makeup I did a little more research instead of just buying the first expensive kit I found!

This Week's Links:

Beauty & Baggage- shares what was in her bag for the Cosmo Blog Awards .

Fashionable Heart- relies on plaid for a perfect "laid back" look during autumn!

 Massachusetts Mask- shows you her 5 favorite scents for fall from Bath & Body Works!

Norwegian Elephant- On finding the perfect-but-not-quite lipstick

What's the most expensive item in your makeup collection and was it worth the price?

Thursday, October 11, 2012

5 Fall Fragrances


Hi guys! I'm going to be doing another little series on the blog all about "5 Things for Fall". There will be blushes, lipsticks, nail polishes, etc! But today I'm going to be starting with fragrances!

Sleek Haul!


 Ever since I've seen the gorgeous looking Sleek blushes be used on YouTube and more recently the Sleek Blush by 3 palettes reviewed on blogs I have been itching to make an order!

Monday, October 8, 2012

Around the World in 80 Eyeshadows: Weekly Round-Up 10/8/12



Question of the Week:

What would be your first repurchase if you lost all your makeup?

Emily's answer: It would have to either be my Revlon ColorStay Foundation for Oily/Combination Skin in Sand Beige since that has been my holy grail foundation over the past year or my original Naked/Naked 2 palettes! Those are the three makeup items that I pretty much use on a daily bases that never seem to fail me, I'd be lost without them! Ps, anyone who says you don't need to get both Naked palettes is totally lying, they pair together perfectly!

This Week's Links:

Beauty & Baggage- shares her experience of the Cosmo Blog Awards!

Fashionable Heart- is taking a week off to celebrate Canada's Thanksgiving!

Massachusetts Mask- reviews Maybelline's Limited Edition Color Tattoo in Mossy Green and lets everyone know why you should be running to your drugstores to find it!

Norwegian Elephant- On why it's worth it to swatch everything in Sephora! ;)

 What would be your first repurchase if you lost all your makeup?

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Shadows in Mossy Green: Review, Photos, & Swatches


Why You'll Love It

Dare to wear 24HR shadow.
• Ink technology creates 24HR wear shadow for our most intense, long-lasting color saturation 
• Cream formula glides on without creasing and keeps color vibrant
• Ophthalmologist-tested.  Safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
For Best Results

High impact look:
Illuminate. With fingertips, sweep all over eye from inner corner and work outwards.  For added drama, darken as desired.     
  


Where to Buy: CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid (You may have to search around to find them now!), $5.00-$8.00

Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Shadows in Mossy Green ($5.00-$8.00 for .14oz) is an olive green cream eyeshadow with gold shimmer that is part of Maybelline's limited edition Fall 2012 Fashion Week collection. There are 9 permanent shades: Fierce And Tangy, Audacious Asphalt, Painted Purple, Bad To The Bronze, Pomegranate Punk, Tough As Taupe, Tenacious Teal, Bold Gold, and Edgy Emerald.  You guys know I have been obsessed with these ever since I managed to find them in my haul (I have a cream shadow obsession in the first place) and this was my first experience with Color Tattoos so I'm excited to share my thoughts on how they perform!

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

NOTD: Burgundy Flirt


Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro- Burgundy Flirt

Seche Vite- Dry Fast Top Coat

The Gay Dolphin

Can we just ignore my gross chipped nails?
I can just imagine most of you reading the title of this post and saying "huh?!" haha but I promise I'll explain!

My mom recently went to South Carolina last week on vacation to Myrtle Beach, where we used to go all the time when I was younger. I can always remember the excessive amounts of gift shops they have down there like Eagles and Waves that seem to be around every corner (and I mean multiples of each store)!

But no store was ever as exciting to go in than The Gay Dolphin Gift Cove! Its a huge multilayer store that has everything from stuffed animals to dishes for the house. On the bottom level they have this amazing boutique style set up that is just completely full of jewelry, everything from costume to really expensive jewels. I used to save my money the entire trip until we went to The Gay Dolphin just to spend it all on the amazing selection of jewelry! I still have so many pieces that I bought down there that are so special to me because they bring back a lot of memories.

This time when my mom came back she brought me a pair of earrings that are right up my aisle! They're a bit of a bronze-y rose gold color wire wrapped hoops that are perfect for me since I love to wear my statement earrings! What I love even more is that my mom got herself a slightly smaller pair in a different color so we can match ;)

Just thought I'd share these with you so in case any of you live in/near South Carolina or plan on vacationing there!
 

September Favorites!


Goodbye September, hello October!

This is my favorite month of the year, the weather outside is not too cold and not too hot, the leaves are changing, and I can finally break out my boots and scarves! There's nothing about fall that isn't completely beautiful, I just wish it lasted a little bit longer.

This month I was focusing on trying out some new products and colors to see how they work for since I had been stuck in a little bit of a makeup rut, reaching for the same things every day. I've switched it up and started using a cream bronzer, broke out of my Revlon lip product pattern so another brand could have a try at wow-ing me, and for the first time been rocking something other than neutral colors on my eyes.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Around the World in 80 Eyeshadows: Weekly Round-Up 10/1/12


Question of the Week:

What's your signature lip color?

Emily's answer: Hmm, that's a tough question to answer for me because lip products are kind of a last minute thought when I'm doing my makeup in the morning, most days I skip them entirely and pop on a lip balm! But I think on those days where I grab a lip color 9 out of 10 times its a shade of orange. Over the summer I loved my Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti to death, and lately I've been trying to tone it down for fall with Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Coral Reef which I recently reviewed here (can you tell I always turn to Revlon for my lip products?)!

This Week's Links:
 
Beauty & Baggage- finds her favourite mascara for a bargain!

 Fashionable Heart- has found the cure to her "Seven Year Itch" with the MAC Marilyn Monroe Collection! And that's no "Monkey Business!" ;)

Massachusetts Mask- gives you a glimpse inside her travel makeup bag and lets us know her tips and tricks when traveling with makeup!

Norwegian Elephant- my take on the $20 makeup challenge!

What's your signature lip color?
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