Friday Haul-O-Day: Devinah Cosmetics Haul

 My Devinah Cosmetics Collection - Haul!!!!

Devinah Cosmetics Pigment Singles

Devinah Cosmetics Pigment Singles

Dirty Beautiful Collection

Palette Patrol: Least, Most, Best, Worst, & Favorite

Least Expensive Eyeshadow/Eyeshadow Palette

My least expensive eyeshadow would be my Wet n Wild Color Icon Single Shadow in Brulee at $1.09. My least expensive eyeshadow palette is also by Wet n Wild, from their Colon Icon Trios in Walking on Eggshells.

Most Expensive Eyeshadow Palette

If you know me, this won't be a surprise, but my most expensive eyeshadow palette(s) are my Natasha Denona Blue/Purple & Brown/Green palettes coming in at a ridiculous $239. Yeah, I know....it's a lot.

Most Colorful Eyeshadow Palette

I am going to add two palettes to this category, well, because it's my post and I can. My fist most colorful eyeshadow palette is, of course, the Urban Decay Electric palette, which I purchased or basically stole from Sephora for $24. Yes, $24. My second most colorful palette is my Zulu palette from Juvia's Place, which I also stole for $18. I admit it, I am a thief.

Best Buy For Your Buck

In my opinion, the best buy for your buck considering pigmentation, pan size, the number of shadows per palette, packaging, and the price would absolutely be Juvia's place, followed closely by Morphe Brushes. Juvia;s place has excellent packaging, names of the shadows on all their palettes (from the Nubian 2 moving forward), insane pigmentation and blending capabilities, enormous pan sizes (for the majority of their palettes) and an excellent price. Morphe Brushes has a considerable amount of product for the price, great pigmentation in their shimmer/foil formula, a variety of palettes with many shades, offer bundles & sales.

Favorite High-End Palette

My favorite, ride or die palette, is hands-down the Lorac Pro. The Lorac Pro was my very first high-end eyeshadow palette. Initially, my experience with it wasn't that stellar, but once I learned to tap off my brush, I was in business. The shadows are incredibly pigmented and so buttery that they come off powdery. Some people kick up a fuss about powdery products, but when the color pay off and the blendability is so on point, I really could care less.

Favorite Luxury Palette

I have two favorite luxury palettes. First, is the Star Palette by Natasha Denona. Just a stunning palette with beautiful shades and pigmentation that reaches to the moon. Just the best eyeshadows I have ever experienced. Coming in at a very close second, in the Marc Jacobs Limited Edition Siren Palette. I got this palette for a steal off of Poshmark from a woman who was purging her entire collection. It had little use, excellent pigmentation. The clasp was broken but I talked her down to $7, which is just criminal. I told you I was a thief!

Favorite Drugstore Palette

If you live on this planet and you don't know about Wet N Wild's Comfort Zone, then I just have no words for you. No words.... This $5 palette gives you two defined looks, including neutral & warm shades, and a duochrome that rivals MAC's blue/brown pigment.

Palette I Regret Buying/Least Favorite

Ok, I know I am going to catch hell for this one. The palette that I regret purchasing and therefore, is my least favorite palette is the Modern Renaissance. I know, I get it. Everyone loves this palette. Everyone but me. I just don't get it. It's not that damn good. People complain about palettes that are powdery, for example, the Lorac Pro Palettes, however, this palette is equally if not more powdery. Next item that bugs me is that the shadows do not blend well. I think both the Tarlette in Bloom & the Tarteist Pro blend better than the Modern Renaissance. Real talk. I seriously feel like I have to blend FOREVER and that the shadow does not even disperse or distribute in my crease.I tried this palette for two weeks straight. I mean, I really tried, but it's just a no go for this beauty blogger. I know I am definitely the lone wolf on this one, and I am ok with that.

Favorite Palette Brand

I have three in this category. First up, yep, you know it....Natasha Denona. I admittedly have all of Natasha's 28 pan palettes, the 10 pan palette, the Star Palette, the Sunset Palette, and 9/12 of her 5 pan palettes.When I like a brand/company, I go all in! The second favorite brand is definitely Juvia's place. I have all of their eyeshadow palettes, including both the mini and large Masquerade Palettes, and I also own all of her individual eyeshadows. This brand is POC-friendly because it's rooted in the desire to extend the concept of beauty beyond monochromatic ideas, beliefs & values. The palette's are high quality for an excellent price and it's marketed especially for people like myself. Love this brand. The last brand that I adore is, of course, Lorac. Lorac makes an amazing Pro formula that cannot be beaten, along with its equally impressive sister formula in the form of the unzipped series. I own all the Lorac Pro regular palettes (1,2,3), both the unzipped palettes, 3 limited edition palettes, and a foundation and face powder. This was the first high-end brand I was introduced to and I have been very pleased with the consistency of this brand.

Honorable Mention

One brand that I really have been digging for a couple of months is Devinah Cosmetics. This company is amazing and I really like their pressed pigments. I have quite a collection of their products and I am more than impressed. These products are handmade and gorgeous, which I appreciate because you know I like my shimmer and foil shades. Definitely, check them out if you want a good indie brand that produces excellent quality products at a reasonable price.

Worth the Splurge? Product Review plus Swatches! Natasha Denona - Blue/Purple Palette

Price & Purchase Process & Packaging

I was introduced to Natasha Denona through an email blast from Beautylish. At that time, they were carrying her 5 pan palettes, which comes in 13 different palettes with an assortment of color arrangements. These 5 pan palettes are 5 shades x 0.08 oz/ 2.26 g total weight of palette. I don't think people realize that is an astounding amount of shadow that is per shade. These 5 pan palettes retail for $48 on Beautylish & Sephora's websites. I purchased on of these 5 pan palettes and immediately fell in love and began to do additional research about Natasha Denona as a makeup artist & entrepreneur. The brand is cruelty-free and is known for ultra metallic & insane duochrome shadows, which is what initially attracted me. Let's get real here, I am that woman rocking shimmer in the crease, so Natasha Denona was right up my alley. I really wanted to invest in getting both the 28 pan palettes from this brand, but I couldn't get past the $239 price point until I encountered Stephanie Nicole review and swatches of both palettes (listed for reference below) & Tarababyz's review of both palettes as well. 

These two beauties are hands down my most favorite YouTuber when it comes to thorough reviews, using actual research and evidence to support their expert opinions. I was trying to wrap my head around the price point and then it was broken down by Stephanie Nicole via  Excel spreadsheet (if you know Stephanie Nicole, this is definitely classic SN) at the 13: 00-minute marker of her review video. If you bought every single shadow in both the Blue/Purple palette & the Brown/Green Palette individually the cost would be $1784 if at 

.08 oz which is a total weight of 4.48oz. Both the Blue/Purple & Brown/Green palettes are packaged in a white patent leather case with the shadow magnetized in a foam backing. There is no indication of the palette's name on the packaging, so I had to create a label to differentiate between the Blue/Purple & Brown/Green palettes

Pigmentation & Color Payoff & Performance

There are 4 duochromes, 7 mattes, 17 metallics in the Blue/Purple palette. 

The cost breakdown per all available shadows is as follow:

Metallic 39 available :$27

Mattes 13 available:  $25

Sparkling 4 available: $29

Duo-chrome 10 available: $29
Average Cost per shadow: $27.50

I feel most of the Blue/Purple palette's shadows are best as an all over lid shade.Although the variety of finishes provide a very unique selection & color palette, it does make is difficult to both pair and blend shadows together seamlessly fashion. It's best to have a palette, such as the Viseart 01 Neutral Palette, to pair in tandem with the Blue/Purple Palette. There are varying opinions about all-inclusive, one-stop-shop palettes, versus having to grab an all matte or all shimmer palette to create a look. As a makeup enthusiast and exclusive palette collector, it is a minor inconvenience to reach for my Sonia Kasuk Eyes on Neutral Palette or one of my Viseart palette. One of the beauties of eye makeup is having a vision of what you want to create and bringing those ideas to a reality. I doubt painters stick to one color palette, right? The color payoff and pigmentation are better than any other brand on the market. There is no contest.

Overall Product Presentation

I am the type of person that when I like a product or brand, I have a tendency to buy everything they make. Natasha Denona is definitely one of those brands. This palette is stunning. It is probably not for your everyday makeup wearer with one or two palettes. It is probably not for individuals that do not care for sparkle or shimmer. I would say if you want to get a taste of what the 28 pan palettes are like, invest $48 bucks in the 5 pan palette. There are 13 to choose from and I am sure you can find a color selection that suits you. I would comment that ND eyeshadows are by far the best eyeshadow I have every used. They are out of this world and the when the shadow goes on your eyelid it is true to the color in the pan 100%. What more can I say

Results: ✮✮✮✮✮ 5/5

Natasha Denona - Blue/Purple 28 Pan Palette 

Blue/Purple Palette (28 Pans) - .08oz each!

Swatches!

The following videos are well researched, thorough, and compettent reviews of  the Natasha Denona Blue/Purple Palette. Both of these YouTubers I hold in high regard and utilize their experience and expertise when reviewing products to purchase for my own collection. When I want an honest, informative, pensive review about a beauty related product, these are the women that I turn to for guidance and reliable  & accurate information. Check out Stephanie Nicole & Tarababyz's reviews of this palette!

Stephanie Nicole's Natasha Denona Review with Swatches

Tarababz Natasha Denona Demo & Swatches

A Palette & A Partner - Week 15

Hi, Guys & Gals! I am so excited that I am stepping into week 15 of this series and I am really getting a decent amount of use out of my products. I am even more encouraged because I have introduced lip products and foundations into the weekly rotation. That small adjustment has lead to the decluttering of two foundations already. That's super important because now I can sanitize those foundations and donate them to women who are in need, so that's an amazing result of this rotation effort.

So, let's  get something out of the way. I need to address a palette that is in this week's rotation. The Beauty Killer by Jeffree Star Cosmetics. I do not support this company nor endorse any of the owner's behavior. As a person of color, I think it is important to stand strong against oppression and the degradation of minority groups, even if the person who is inflicting hate is marginalized themselves. I purchased this palette before I knew anything about Mr. Star and I am confident in my research that he is not someone I feel comfortable giving my hard earned coins to, however, I have the palette now, and I am going to use it. I am going to rock these colors on my beautiful brown face because I can and because nothing should impede me from expressing myself. Returning the palette would actually give him the victory. Have you ever been in a room with someone who dislikes you? Don't ever leave the room....strut into that room with your head up and chest out and own that piece. That's what I am going to do....

Week 15 Rotation!!

Urban Decay - All Nighter (7.0) &
Tarte - Rainforest of the Sea (Tan Sand)

Jeffree Star Cosmetics - Beauty Killer

BH Cosmetics - Studio Pro Palette

Persona - Identity Palette

Natasha Denona - Palette 5 #4

Friday Haul - O - Day: Urban Decay - NAKED HEAT!!!

Friday Haul-O-Day: Coastal Scents Mini Haul

Coastal Scents - Summer Breeze Palette

#MOTD (Makeup Of The Day)

July 4th - #MOTD

YouTuber of the Week - Mrs. Melissa M

This week's pick for YouTuber of the Week is the wonderfully inspiring Mrs. Melissa M. Guess how I found her...Just guess....Yep, I was binge watching eyeshadow palette collection videos! You guys know me so well. A couple of things drew me to Mrs. Melissa. First, I noticed during the video that her hands were shaking and I was wondering why. Well, she mentioned about half way through the video that she had both Fibromyalgia & Cerebral Palsy and she apologized if the shaking of her hands made anyone uncomfortable. Immediately, I empathized and understood. If you know me personally, you know are quite familiar with my health history and journey towards a place a peace and acceptance in terms of the issues that I live with. I was so moved by Mrs. Melissa M's desire to make others comfortable, even though she's suffering. I understand that desire as I never want my health issues to be an inconvenience or burden to anyone. This speaks to her humility and willingness to engage in life, in spite of difficulties and setbacks. She is quite funny and she is like me in so many ways....just a regular gal, who loves makeup and wants to share her knowledge with others. She has an amazing sense of humor about herself and life in general and her positivity is infectious. Please check out her most recent video below and definitely show this gem of a woman some love!

Bougie Brie''s Monthly Best in Beauty - June Fav's

Hey there guys! I am starting to create different "series" on my blog to continue to bring fresh perspective and information about all products beauty and skin care related. So, over the next few months, you will see a variety of theme-related topics to create a congruent structure to my blog. So, keep an eye out for upcoming subjects, and my hope is to post every single day except Sunday (day of rest). On to the first of many theme-related experiences for you, the reader - Bougie Brie's Monthly Best in Beauty!!!

For this segment, every month I will be bringing you my favorite beauty and skin care items.  I think it will help give both of us a better idea of what the average consumer values, and maybe you just might be interested in my thoughts on different products. This will include items from drugstore to luxury and everything in between. Why don't we get into it and find out what I loved in the month of June?

First up, Too Faced's Foundation Powder in  Medium Tan. I have had the powder since last early Fall, and because I have so many, it didn't get as much attention as it deserved. Due to some changes in my skin and its texture and oil production, I needed to use a powder that provided more coverage and this product happened to be an excellent match. About two months ago, I started using this powder religiously and in the beginning of June, I hit pan. Check out the damage I did using this product in June! 

Too Faced - Foundation Powder in Medium Tan

Not only hit pan...destroyed it!

The next product came as a free gift with purchase when I purchased several Essence products from Ulta. I have trouble with powders that claim to be translucent because they often leave a "white cast" on my skin, which makes me look washed out and photographs horribly. This product interested me because is claimed to be mattifying and with Summer here in Texas, that appealed to me greatly. I have been using it more as a finishing powder. I set my under eyes with the Sacha Buttercup Powder and the rest of my face with some type of foundation powder. Then I use this powder to really mattify my look. The good thing about this powder is that it does not create a powdery look on my face, but allows it to be smooth.

Essence - All About Matt Fixing Compact Powder

I have been rockin this foundation as often as possible, especially in the month of June. The color match is spot on and the finish is more of a satin'/matte finish. Maybe I should call is semi-natural. Yes, that's it - semi/natural. I love how light this foundation feels and I am uber impressed with the selection of colors, the price point, and the overall performance. I have a feeling that I will be using this foundation all Summer. Thoroughly impressed and another home run for Wet n Wild!

Wet n Wild PhotoFocus Foundation in Caramel

I am a huge Colourpop fan! When I began invested my time, energy and finances into beauty products, Colourpop was definitely on my radar. I 💓Colourpop's Super Shock Eyeshadows. I have depotted many a Super Shock Shadow and put it into a magnetic palette (I think I have 7 magnetic palettes with Super Shock Shadows) and I also have backups of my favorite shadows. When  I received this Colourpop Blush in a Poshmark Haul, I was a little hesitant because I know how pigmented Colourpop's products are. I put this blush in one of my weekly A  Palette & A Partner groups, where I select different products that I have not used and use them for an entire week, and was very surprised at the blush's performance. Even more important, the color was stunning. I absolutely love how wonderful this cheek color looks on my skin and it applied beautifully.

Colourpop Blush - Quarters

The last two products are definitely my absolute favorites for the month of June. As many of you know, I have my collection divided into categories: High-End Regular Palettes, High-End Small Palettes, Large Palettes, Luxury Palettes, Affordable Palettes, & Drugstore Palettes. Sunday evening, when I create my A Palette & A Partner group for the week, I select different palettes depending on the amount used in each category versus the ratio of palettes used to total palettes in each group. I also consider each palette's color selection and if they can be used in tandem, and the purchase order of the palettes.  Most often, I don't get a chance to include a luxury palette, but this last month I was able to use these two beauties!!!! First, the Viseart palette....What the hell have I been using all this time? I didn't even know that shadows could blend so effortlessly and beautifully. I feel foolish for waiting so long to purchase this palette, and even more foolish for waiting so long to use it. Shame on me. Secondly, you KNOW that I LIVE for Natasha Denona's eyeshadows. They are hands down the most beautiful and pigmented shadows ever created on this planet. This palette is so damn gorgeous that I think it might be sinful. Just a stunning selection of colors, finishes, and textures, with the smoothest and easiest application of each shadow. So beautiful!

Viseart - 01 Neutral Matte

Natasha Denona Palette 5 - #09

I hope you enjoyed my June favorites! What were you loving in the month of June? Anything that I mention catch your attention. Leave a comment and let me know!

A Palette & A Partner - Week 14!!!!

Week 14 Group!!! 

Too Faced - Born This Way Foundation &
Anastasia Beverly Hills Foundation Stick

Too Faced - Sweet Peach Palette 

BH Cosmetics - Summer Breeze Palette

Buxom - May Contain Nudity Palette

Bobbi Brown Palette

Wet n Wild - Comfort Zone Palette

Makeup Revolution - Triple Baked Highlighter
Golden Goddess
Wet n Wild Blush -
Mellow Wine