Essence Cosmetics Review

 

So our awesome friends over at Essence Cosmetics sent us some of their great products to try out. Get all the scoop on these Essence items as well as swatches and a full look below!

   

Nail Polish in Off to Miami 

  Nail Drying Drops

I decided to test out the nail polish to begin with. I was please that it had very even coverage and great color that was true to what I expected. I used my Sally Hansen Hard as Nails base coat and Revlon Gel Top Coat to seal in the color.

   

Overall, I think my nails turned out great. They also dried really quickly thanks to the Essence drying drops they included (I will say I have purchased these before and love them!) They did start to chip within a couple of days, though, which I hate...

Lipstick in Flirty Pink Lip Liner in Wish Me a Rose I moved on to the lip products next (I have a serious weakness for them...). The lip liner was a nice, everyday color that I can use with a ton of my existing lipsticks. It has a pretty matte finish, though, so keep that in mind. The lipstick was very glossy and moisturizing. I really like the color because it wasn't too bright or crazy. It also had a very pleasant smell to it! I would love to try out a couple more colors in this lipstick for sure.


Eye Liner in Hot Scorch Eye Shadow in Coffee to Glow

The eye shadow and liner really complemented each other. The liner was very metallic brown/bronze which is nice for summer. It isn't super dark, though, so make sure that your base shadow isn't too dark. The shadow color looked great, but the pigmentation just wasn't there. I had to really press down to get this swatch to show up. It was even more difficult trying to get the "metal" look to appear on my eyelid when using a stiff shadow brush. It's a pretty color and concept, but I'm just not sold on how it applies.

 
Mascara 

Lastly, I tried out the mascara. The brush on this thing is huge! Not the best for getting those baby lashes, but it does a great job for the price.

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It gave me a nice natural everyday look that worked well for me. I did try layering it with another mascara a few days later, and I really liked that look!

Overall, I thought these products were great. They are super inexpensive too! You can easy stock up without blowing your budget which is nice. You can usually find Essence at Ulta beauty on an end cap or at HEB if you live in Texas. I would totally recommend checking them out on your next beauty run.

 Have any questions or products we should try? Let us know in the comments below!

~Madi

Summer Essentials

Memorial Day Weekend is like the official kickoff to summer. Just in time for this, we are sharing our summer must haves. Our weekends are spent lakeside meaning that swimsuits and a {safe} tan are a necessity! Check out our favorites (and get the links to them) below.

Triangl Inspired Bikini

I love the Triangl bikinis, but not the price. This look alike is under $20 for the top & bottom! Warning, the shipping isn't the fastest, but it was well worth the wait. I love the fit of this swimsuit (I got a medium FYI) and the fun color. It also has great support and coverage on the bottoms which is nice.


Similar Top / Bottoms
Leopard is a neutral in my books, that's why I love this basic bikini. I love the sporty look of this swimsuit. The style is also great for fun lake activities like tubing. I am looking forward to getting some use out of this number this summer!



Top / Bottoms
Lastly is this bright color-block number. It has a LOT of push up (if you're small up top this is the suit for you!). It is also cute in that sporty way that I like. It is surprisingly comfortable even though it is padded to the max.


Ulta Tinted Spray
Sun Lab Self Tanning Gel
Coppertone Lotion

If you are in need of some color quick, then the Ulta Tinted Spray is for you. It's like getting a spray tan without having to leave the house. Keep a mitt around to buff out any oopsies though (...trust me they will happen).

If you have a little time to build your color, I would opt for the gel. It is tinted, so you can easily see where you've already applied. The color also develops well overnight. If you apply a couple of times a week, then you can keep a great glow all summer long.

Lastly, if the quick color freaks you out, I would opt for a lotion. It allows you to build color over weeks. It will also keep your skin soft & supple.

All of these options work well together to keep your tan all summer long.

What are some of your favorite summer essentials? Let us know in the comments below!

~Madi

I am an employee of JCPenney, but my views and opinions are not reflective of the company.

Fringed Out

 

 Fringe is in over here at Everything Glitters in Texas. We are absolutely loving pairing kimonos with our favorite spring items (hello white jeans!) to add a little bit of whimsy and fun. Get all of the outfit details (as well as links to shop these items!) below. 

   

Tank Top - Mossimo by Target Kimono - Target Skinny Jeans - Stylus by JCPenney Wedges - Jessica Simpson (Similar Here Necklace - Movida Boutique

 

Kimono-L'Amour Nanette Lepore for JCPenney Shirt- Merona by Target (Similar Here) Jeans- Stylus by JCPenney Necklace- Mix It by JCPenney (Similar Here) Earrings- Kendra Scott Watch- Fossil Belt- Forever 21 (Similar Here) Shoes- Target (Similar Here)

   

We hadn't done a joint post in a while, so we thought we could coordinate our new kimonos. We had a blast shooting out at the lake and rocking our spring looks. Not surprisingly since we have semi-identical closets, we both busted out our favorite white skinnies (that are under $30!). Statement necklaces were the other key to our fringe look. 

   

I tend to add pops of color with my Kendra Scott earrings. The touch of mint is enough to brighten up this black & white look. Leather accents on my watch, belt, and shoes also give this look more dimension and color.

 

Danielle decided to keep the boho/fringe look going with the addition of this adorable tassel necklace. Boutique finds like this are some of our favorites. She played up the colors of her kimono by pairing it with a magenta colored tank (these tanks are great for layering & under almost anything).

   

We are totally looking forward to pairing these kimonos with other great staples as we transition into summer. They are so light weight and versatile that we might just get away with them all season in this summer heat. Have you found a fringe look or kimono you love? Let us know in the comments below! 

 Also, check out our Flickr page (click on any photo) to see even more pics from our blog post!

 Until next time,

 ~Madison & Danielle

I am an employee of JCPenney, but my views and opinions are not reflective of the company.