Product Review: Dominique Cosmetics Latte Eyeshadow Palette

At the end of this review is a thorough explanation of the point system I use and how I score individual products that I review. If you have any thoughts on a more comprehensive way to review products, or if there is a section you would like to see implemented, please comment below or send me an email by click on the contact page or you can simply click HERE! I am always open to suggestion and I want to be helpful to my readers! Thanks!

Company Profile, Price, Purchase Process, & Packaging: 4

Christen Dominique is a YouTube beauty guru based in California. She is young, beautiful, intelligent, and very likeable. She has a sense of maturity that surpasses her peers. When she made the decision to take her brand to the next level by authenticating her own Cosmetics brand I was I interested. I purchased the Latte Eyeshadow through her website. The palette itself cost $42 plus shipping, which was priced fairly. The packaging of the palette is simple but quite elegant, encased in a simple, yet decorative sleeve. Very modern posh if you ask me! The package included a very simple card from Christen Dominique thanking the receiver for purchasing her product and supporting her throughout her journey. I can appreciate the self-discipline it takes to successfully create a business that is profitable & meaningful to the entrepreneur as well.

Pigmentation, Color Payoff, Product Application, & Performance: 4

The color story is mostly neutral (maybe leaning cool depending on your perspective) with delightful pops of color. I was very impressed with both the pigmentation and color payoff of the shades, both matte and metallic alike. Just a beautiful formula that is easy to apply and the grouping of shades makes it easy to create a stunning look. The shadows last all day (a good 10-12) without any creasing, and my eye lids can get a bit oily at times (especially in the Spring and Summer months). I was very impressed with the overall dynamics of this palette and used it consistently for two weeks, which is difficult when you have close to 500 eyeshadow palettes (don’t judge).

Product Value & Overall Product Presentation: 2

For the amount of product receive plus the quality of said product along with the original and creative vibe of the eyeshadow palette, I think it is worth more than the $42 that I paid, and if I can pan this palette, I will be looking for a backup. I am a brand loyalist for the most part, and I dig indie brands as well, but I am particularly interested in the development of a company by a female, who is knowledgable and dedicated to her consumers. Super impressed and would absolutely recommend this product for both makeup connoisseurs like myself as well as beginners/novice makeup lovers. Well Done Dominique Cosmetics! Debut product an absolute success!

Rating: 10/10

Rating is out 10 out of 10, with a full point given for each of the ten sections listed above. Points per section may be issued in the following denominations: 0,.0 .25, .50, 1.0. For further clarification, the sections listed are worth a total of 1.0 point and are:

1. Company Profile & Personality: (available information about company, cruelty free status information, philanthropic efforts, unnecessary controversy, indie company vs mainstream)
2.  Price: (product cost, availability of product, shipping cost, available coupons)
3. Purchase Process: (order time vs receipt of product turn around, availability of product, email notifications including shipping & tracking number, email notification for delivery)
4. Packaging: (was the item securely package, decorative packaging efforts including information card about the product, upcoming sales, or the company itself)
5. Pigmentation: (via swatches)
6. Color Payoff: (via application to the area applicable)
7.  Product Application: (ease of application of product, for example for eyeshadow, is there fall out, creasing, etc.
8.  Performance: (longevity of wear)
9.  Product Value: (price to product amount ratio, i.e. price per gram + product quality + consumer response (popularity of product and consumer response) + repurchase option)
10. Overall Product Presentation: shade variation (if eyeshadow), women of color friendly, pale people friendly, universally applicable to many skin tones, desire for repeated use, would you repurchase the item again, is this product associated with a particular trend or is does it market the companies individuality, does the product set a new & innovative trend, is the product effective (does it do what it’s designed to do), does the product have potential multiple application opportunities (i.e. can the product be used as a blush & lipstick), is the product limited edition or a permanent product, is the product part of a collection, is the product consistent (from shade to shade, if  an eyeshadow palette) from color to color in a part of a collection and does it function and operate the same each time applied.

Dominique Cosmetics The Latte Eyeshadow Palette

Boxycharm March 2018

This Month's Boxycharm box was another winner with 5 premium, name brand products totaling over $115!!!! And how much does the monthly subscription cost? Why $21 my dear friend. Click HERE to subscribe to Boxycharm and receive quality high-end products for only $21 a month!

South Main Beauty Under Eye Gels - $10 

Pretty Vulga Make Them Blush - $26

Bellapierre Cosmetics Volumizing Mascara in Black $20

Boxycharm X PUR Eyeshadow Palette $36

Swatches!!!

The Vintage Cosmetic Company Smokey Eye Makeup Brush Set $23.15

Bougie Brie's Monthly Best in Beauty Top 5 Products: March Edition

1) Kenra Professional Shine Spray

As a woman with naturally dry hair, I am always looking for ways to bring a bit a shine and glow to my otherwise dull hair. Since my hair is predominantly gray, I also have issues with my grays being a bit frenzy. It is difficult to find a product that provides shine without crossing the line into greasy. Kenra Professional Shine Spray is perfect for women with coarse hair and is woman of color friendly. It provides weightless, instant, beautiful sheen while taming unruly flyaways and is suitable for most hair types. You can buy it directly from Kenra Professional Website HERE or you can purchase it from Ulta online or in stores.

2) Batiste Dry Shampoo (Blush)

According to the Ulta website, Batiste Dry Shampoo is designed to "Batiste Dry Shampoo is the quick and convenient way to get soft, clean and fresh smelling hair, without water. Batiste offers an instant fix by revitalizing greasy, dull and lifeless hair. Batiste thickens thin fly-away hair and adds texture and body for that easy style solution."  I find that most dry shampoos are not conducive to coarse or natural hair. They seem to be marketed to people with naturally straight hair that is light in color because the vast majority of dry shampoo leaves a white/gray case in your hair. Actually, I found that Batiste Dry Shampoo is no exception regarding that issue; however, because my hair is already gray and the shampoo doesn't live a dandruff-like appearance but rather a more powdering cast that enhances the beauty of my hair, I really don't mind the white/gray cast. This product is an easy solution to making my hair appear fresh and smell pleasant without the hassle of actually washing it. Let it be understood that this is not a hair-washing replacement., but instead a way to freshen your hair quickly.

3) The Ordinary Skin Care

I am not aware of any other skin care line on the market that is as affordable and effective as The Ordinary. I found The Ordinary through another blogger that was raving about the effects of the product and I was motivated by her comments and the affordability of the products. I purchased several products in the middle of February and I could tell a difference within 2 weeks - a very noticeable difference. I rarely wear my "bare face" out in public. I often wear makeup even if I am staying home, but almost ALWAYS if I am leaving the house. These products have given me a certain degree of confidence that I have lacked regarding my appearance. It allows me to see myself with shame or fear and it has truly been a gift. I can't tell you which products are working because I bought four different types of products, but I can tell you that I followed the chart on the website and bought products that suited my needs. I went to see my dermatologist last week and he noticed the improvement in my skin and I showed him the products. He didn't have to do a chemical peel or anything like he normally does because he was so pleased. All he could tell me was to keep using The Ordinary.

4) Cover Girl Clean Matte BB Cream in Medium & Medium Deep

I purchased this BB Cream at the suggestion of Nicole from Young, Wild and Polished from YouTube. It was specially designed for oily skin and I was intrigued. The price was more than reasonable, but the shade selection was lacking, so I purchased the Medium & Medium Deep to get the right shade for me. I have used this BB Cream for a solid three weeks, waiting for it to fall short of my expectations, but it didn't - not one single time . I am setting the BB Cream with my favorite setting powder,  the Peach Perfect Setting Powder from Too Faced Cosmetics. I think this combination is definitely a winner in my book. I have a resolution to pick no more than 6 foundation by the end of the year. This one might make the cut.

5) Dominique Cosmetics Latte Palette

Im doing a mini review of this product this week, so I'll leave my comprehensive review for that occasion, but I will say I used this palette more than any other Palette thus month. Look for an upcoming Mini Product Review for this product that promises to be comprehensive and surprisingly informative. 

Semi-Monthly Palette & Product Rotation (Weeks 12 &13)

Semi-Monthly Palettes & Products for Weeks 12 &13

Rotation Week 12

Nivea Men Post Shave Balm & Benefit Porefessional 

Physician's Formula Blush, Milani Rose Blush &
Becca Prosecco Pop

Dose of Colors Blushing Berries & Butter London Natural Charm 

The Balm Nude 'tude 

Laura Lee Cat's Pajamas 

Rotation Week 13

Urban Decay Afterdark 

Urban Decay Distortion 

Beauty Bakerie Neapolitan Eyescream 

Too Faced I Want Kandee Eyeshadow Palette 

Haul ****Saucebox Mermaid Life****

Haul - O - Day Beauty Creations

Bi - Monthly Review, Rate, & Rotate (Wks 9 & 10)

Reviewing The Following Week's Palette & Product Rotations

Palette & Product Rotation Week 9

Milani Must Have Metallics & Essence All About Bronze

Review: Excellent eyeshadow palette for the price. Beautiful warm-toned shades that compliment any skin tone. Rate: 7/10 I think this palette is not only worth the very affordable price, it's some of the best eyeshadows, in particular, metallic shades, to come out of the drugstore. Portable and compact, easy for travel or overnight getaway. Rotate: I will be holding on to this little palette to keep in my overnight bag or in my daily makeup bag I carry in my purse. Very impressed with this item.

Review: This palette is extremely expensive, under $6 I believe. I like these little palettes from Essence, but I find that this one doesn't have enough depth in color variety, however, I think for the price it's a more than decent palette and perfect for beginners. Rate: 5.5/10 Unfortunately, although this is a quality affordable palette, 4 of the shades look too similar to make a difference when applied to the skin. Rotate: Considering decluttering this one, but might put it in another rotation to see if I should Keep it or Chuck it (Look for an upcoming post on items in my collection that are on the fence and see whether I should Keep it or Chuck it!)

Kat Von D Mini Metal & Matte Eyeshadow Palette

Review: I love Kat Von D's eyeshadow palettes and this Mini Metal & Matte is no exception. Keeping in line with the ever so popular warm toned trend, this palette his rich deep tones, and amazing foiled shimmer shades. Rate: 8/10 This palette loses a couple of points for the underwhelming factor. I think that it's difficult to follow up the release of the larger Metal & Matte eyeshadow palette, with its redheaded stepsister. The palette is great, but it would have been a better-received palette by the consumer if it acted as a precursor to the Metal & Matte eyeshadow palette, instead of a holiday follow up afterthought. Rotate: Love this palette and hoping to get more use of out it.

Sephora Ombre Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette

Review: I have had this palette for well over a year and this past week was the first time I have ever used it. I am not sure why it took me so long to use this palette, which is incredibly unique and has the most stunning silver shade resting in the bottom right corner. Rate: 6/10, although I find this palette beautiful and different, it is difficult to make a complete everyday look with the palette. The ombre idea is quite genius, the effectiveness, and execution of the palette's concept could use a bit of work. Rotate: This is going into my Keep it or Chuck it! series, where I make a cut-throat decision on keeping products that are in the "maybe" category of my collection.

Makeup Revolution Triple Baked Blush in Peachy Keen

Review: I initially purchased this "blush" as a highlighter for my skin tone, but it ended up being a great blush/blush topper. It has the perfect amount of sheen without being glittery or overly intense. For the price, the quality, and the beauty of the shade, I think this is a smart purchase! Rate: 7.25/10 I am giving it a higher rating because of the product's versatility, excellent price point and amount of the product. ∫Rotate: This will be staying put in my collection for a while, but I will be looking to declutter some of my other blushes.

Smashbox Contour Kit

Review: I received this contour kit as part of a holiday item gift set in the winter of 2016. I never really had or created an opportunity to use it, until I started rotating products. I am currently treating to pan a contour kit so I invest a significant amount time and energy into that particular contour palette, leaving this one, and a couple other unused. I really enjoyed this palette. The powders were soft and applied evenly and the colors were perfect for both contour and bronzing up the skin. Rate: 7.25/10 I think this is an excellent travel palette for people with medium skin tones, unfortunately, it may be too dark for fairer skinned individuals. Rotate: I think that I will hold onto this little palette and perhaps use it as my next face palette panning project.

Anastasia Beverly Hils X Nicole Gurrerro Glow Kit

Review: I really, really, like this glow kit by ABH. I purchase it the first day it was released at Sephora. All the shades, except Forever Lit, look exceptionally beautiful on my skin and although Forever Lit is not the best face highlighting shade for me, it is a beautiful inner corner highlight! A lot of people, well mainly influencers, not really consumers. were complaining that it was too glittery, but what the hell is a face highlight for?? Rate: 7.5/10 The palette is a tad mono skin toned focus. The palette is perfect for Tan to Deep skin tones, which I think was the palette's intention, but I am all about inclusivity or making the palette multi-purpose.

Palette & Product Rotation - Week 10

Kat Von D Metal & Matte Eyeshadow Palette

Review: I was able to grab this little gem a couple of months after its release during Holiday 2016! It is definitely one of my favorite palettes and a classic in the genre of eyeshadow palettes. I missed out on the Mi Vida Loca Palette from Kat Von D, but dammit, I got this one! Rate: 8.5/10 The color selection is wonderfully decadent and very appropriate for a variety of holiday looks, which is when it was released. The matte shadows are insanely pigmented and the foiled shades, although a bit chunky which you will sometimes find with foiled shades, are so dense in pigment that it's not even necessary to wet your brush! Rotate: Hell, no! Plain and simple. I can keeping this forever and ever.

Huda Beauty Rose Gold Texture Eyeshadow Palette

Review: Reviews about this palette were not kind for the most part, and I am not sure why. If you take a little time to research what your buying before you purchase it, then maybe you as a consumer, won't be disappointed. Huda, the owner of Huda Beauty made several promos about the palettes, including a youtube video introducing the palette, in order to set an expectation with consumers about what the palette offered, and as far as I can tell she was accurate. Rate: 7/10  The mattes in this palette are exquisite, and while the shimmery/glittery shades pose some challenges, when executed correctly, they are stunning. The problem is that most makeup lovers don't want to deal with the extra effort it takes to pull off an eye look, especially when you paid $65 for the palette, buy in all fairness, the company was clear about how to wear the shadows. Rotate: I think I will hold onto this one a little longer and look towards the fall for more wear time.

Tarte Make Believe in Yourself Eyeshadow Palette

Review: This is the first "colorful" palette that the industry has seen from Tarte. The colors are quite muted, but they are so beautiful and creamy it's unbelievable. This palette was supposed to be limited edition for Spring of 2017, but it keeps making reappearances. The highlighter is the middle is chunky and in no way "color people/brown boy/girl friendly" but the shades are spectacular. If you like color but are a bit apprehensive about actually using it OR if you are an every day work makeup wearer and you are looking for that pop of color that is appropriate for work hours AND after hours, this is your palette! Rate: 9/10 Love this palette as much as I love some of my ND palettes. . .yes, you heard me correctly. Lost a HUGE point for the crappy chunky, glittery mess of a highlighter in the middle. Rotate: This is going into some tupe of project pan because I have a back up of it too.

Buxom Natural Instinct Eyeshadow Palette

Review: One of the most underrated eyeshadow formulas comes from Buxom. I think I have 8 Buxom eyeshadow palettes, four pre-made, and four curated by yours truly. This palette is perfect for work wearable eye looks. That far right gold shade. . .that is LIFE. Such beautiful everyday colors that blend well and are truly color impactful on the eyes. Rate: 8/10 Definitely one of my favorite eyeshadows brands. I love the way these shadows appear on the eye and they are very flattering to most eye colors. Rotate: Not going anywhere! Very glad to have this in my collection!