MAC Candy Yum Yum and Maybelline Fuchsia Flash Dupe

MAC's Quite Cute collection that came out in Spring 2011 released this amazing neon, hot pink lipstick called Candy Yum Yum. I remember it being the talk of the beauty community and it was then I knew I just had to get my hands on it. Just recently they made this lipstick a permanent shade at MAC which makes me happy because I don't have to go above and beyond in case I ever run out or lose it. Even if they didn't make this lipstick permanent, I have found a really good dupe of the lipstick! Maybelline's Fuchsia Flash lipstick that came out in the Vivids collection is a great and an inexpensive alternative to MAC's Candy Yum Yum. You can't beat $7 for a lipstick compared to one that is $15!

Although the lipsticks are very similar and can very much well be a dupe of each other, they are also somewhat different. Candy Yum Yum is a matte finish, therefore it has a much drier formula, while Fuchsia Flash has a shinier finish and glides on a lot easier. Also, Candy Yum Yum is more blue-toned so it has a cooler undertone compared to Fuchsia Flash which is more pink-toned and has a warmer undertone.

Beauty Blender Dupe

LeCosmetique blending sponges are a perfect dupe for the Beauty Blender. They're not only more affordable but it blends foundation like a dream! For only $5.95 USD, this sponge will become your new best friend! Since I've started using this blending sponge (I would say about mid 2012), I haven't been reaching out to my normal foundation brushes *ahem* Sigma F80 *ahem*. Also, unlike Sonia Kashuk's blending sponge, which I know we've all probably tried before, LeCosmetique blending sponges expand when they are wet. They are soft and bouncy and make applying foundation so effortless. Right off the bat I noticed how even my foundation was. Since it doesn't absorb my foundation, I find myself using less foundation on my face.

This also works amazing for concealer. It conceals areas without lifting the product from your face. On the other hand, it is less pointy at the top than the Beauty Blender, but nonetheless the product itself is just too amazing. I should also add that I use this blending sponge to set my foundation with loose powder. It works amazing for that too, believe it or not! Sometimes adding powder can make you look cakey but using this blending sponge wet and dipping it into your setting powder creates a really flawless and poreless finish for my face.

The longevity of these blending sponges are pretty great too. I don't understand someone who throws away a blending sponge after using it one time. I've used this so many times and washed it countless times and it has still maintained its shape and quality. There is no tearing in the sponge whatsoever. I say as long as you take care of it and wash it regularly, I don't see why you can't use this over and over again.  Blending sponges are a necessity for every makeup kit out there especially the ones from LeCosmetique. You honestly won't know just how much a difference it makes until you try it for yourself.

DISCLAIMER: THE PRODUCTS REVIEWED ON THIS BLOG ARE BASED ON THE OPINIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF THE AUTHOR. THIS PRODUCT WAS PURCHASED BY THE AUTHOR AND IN NO WAY WAS THIS REVIEW INFLUENCED BY THE COMPANY OF THE PRODUCT.

NYX Powder Blush Swatches + Nars Orgasm Dupe

On NC30 skin tone.

Top Row: Red, Terra Cotta, Mocha
Bottom Row: Mauve, Pinched

Mocha, Terra Cotta, Red, Mauve, Pinched

Mocha: Deep rosey pink

Terra Cotta: Warm peachy bronze with shimmer

Red: Matte red

Mauve: Light petal pink
Pinched: Medium pink with shimmer

I've also heard others say that Pinched was a dupe for NARS Orgasm blush. Very similar don't you think?

MAC Dupes + My Favorite Drugstore Brand for Eyeshadow + A Look

I know Maybelline is famous for their mascara line because they have so much to choose from but I LOVE their eyeshadows! It's my favorite brand of drugstore eyeshadow ever!

I know many women like NYX, Covergirl, Milani, L'Oreal, etc. but I've come to find that a lot of Maybelline eyeshadows can be possible dupes for some MAC eyeshadows, if not better!

After swatching a couple of eyeshadows from Maybelline and MAC, I noticed that a lot of the Maybelline eyeshadows apply much smoother and apply way better pigmentation compared to MAC. I highly recommend Maybelline eyeshadows for those who are on a budget!

Click on images to enlarge

Here's a look I did using the Velvet Crush quad. It's a soft purple smokey quad with hints of silver in grey. The highlight color also has a small hint of pink in it. It's gorgeous!