Battle of the Asian vs Western BB Cream

Over the past month I've had a couple of people ask me what my favorite bb cream was and I really couldn't say because I only have tried one and it is an Asian BB cream that I ordered online.  To be completely honest, I've been a little snobby towards the Western versions of BB Creams.  I feel like cosmetic companies took their tinted moisturizer formula and just renamed it "BB Cream" once they saw how popular they were in Asia.  In fact, I've seen a blog compare a CoverGirl tinted moisturizer vs their BB Cream.  The ingredients list is exactly the same!  Not cool!

 

Yesterday I went to Walmart and decided to give Garnier's bb cream a try since I've heard so many great reviews about it's oily/combo version.  Plus I've really been needing a lightweight tinted moisturizer to get me thru this AZ heat.

 

Today we are going to look at an Asian bb cream, Lioele versus the Westernized version by Garnier.

 

 

 

Lioele Triple the Solution BB Cream

 

 I purchased my Lioele Triple the Solution BB Cream last year from Pretty and Cute for $28.49 for 50ml.  Here are the claims from the website: "Lioele Triple the Solution BB Cream’s main functions are Whitening, UV Protection, and Wrinkle Care. Arbutin ingredients naturally brighten skin and create a more even looking complexion, while plant extracts help boost cell regeneration to smooth out fine lines. The SPF contained in this product doesn’t only product skin from harmful UV rays but also improves the results in the other two main functions. This BB cream also moisturizes and nourishes the skin to improve our health with yogurt and hyaluronic acid ingredients."

 

 

Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream

Combination to Oily Skin in Medium/Deep

 

I purchased my Garnier BB Cream from Walmart for $11.97 for 60ml.  The company claims: "Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream for Combination to Oily Skin immediately mattifies, minimizes pores, and conceals imperfections to give skin a naturally smooth, flawless finish. Save time with just one multi-benefit product that combines advanced skincare and immediate skin perfecting coverage. Broad spectrum SPF 20 sunscreen protects against harmful effects of the sun when used with other sun protection measures. Formulation Facts: dermatologist tested for safety, non comedogenic, won't clog pores, non acnegenic, won't cause breakouts, gentle to skin, oil-free, and non-greasy."

 

The Breakdown:

Scent

Lioele:  I was not a fan of the scent of this bb cream.  The only thing I can think of to describe this is old lady perfume.  It has a strong floral scent and was very off-putting to me.  My husband however, made a point to tell me how good my face smelled so I guess this scent is going to be a hit or miss.  The smell didn't bother me once it had been applied.

Garnier: There is absolutely no scent that I can detect from this.  I was pleasantly surprised considering Garnier is known for it's strong perfumey scents, even in their skincare products. 

Winner:  Garnier is the clear winner in this category. 

 

Consistency

(Left: Garnier, Right: Lioele)

Lioele:  As you can see in the above picture, Lioele is pretty thick.  I am holding the cream on my arm sideways and it has not even begun to slide.  Because it is so thick, it does feel a little heavy and thick when applying on my face.  Also, a little bit of this goes a long way!

Garnier:  Garnier is much more runny.  I put it on my arm and held it sideways to take a picture of and it almost dripped onto the floor while the Lioele cream didn't budge.  It feels very light when rubbed into the skin. 

Winner:  I am surprised to say that Garnier wins this category as well.  I much prefer Garnier's lighter, thinner consistency as opposed to thick and heavy.

 

Coverage/Color

Left: Garnier, Right: Lioele 

Lioele:  With this brand of bb cream it's a one color fits all.  There are no color choices.  I don't love that.  When you first apply, as seen above, it leaves a slight white/gray cast.  Once the cream has set, it blends well into my skin.  What I love about Lioele's formula is that a little goes a long way.  One full pump is actually too much for me.  A small dot on each check is probably enough to give me medium coverage. 

Garnier:  I really struggled with deciding which color to buy.  My two choice were light/medium or medium/deep.  I wish they had just a "medium" choice.  I decided to go with medium/deep based solely on the color swatches I saw online.  After trying it, the color is not perfect, it's a little dark but when I sheer it out, it works.  This will probably be too dark for me in the winter.  I think light/medium would have been too light so this was the best choice.  This is a runnier formula but surprisingly has good coverage.  I love how light this product feels on my skin, like I don't have any makeup on.

Winner:  This one is a tie.  I think both bb creams have good consistency and color but there are also some negatives to both.

 

Longevity

 Lioele:  This bb cream lasts me 4-6 hours and a little over 6 hours if I use a setting spray.  After that it starts to breakdown especially around my nose and forehead, where I tend to get the most oily.

Garnier:  I think this lasts about 5-6 hours before it starts to get a little patchy and wears down around my T zone.  As with Lioele's, it will last longer if I set it with a setting spray.

Winner: The longevity of these two are very similar and neither claim to be long wearing.  I think Garnier tends to last a little longer, especially since it is made to be a mattifier.  So I'll give this to Garnier but it was close!

 

Packaging

 

Lioele:  I love the packaging.  It's so cute with pink and white diamond shapes and the little Cinderella carriage.  The absolute best part is the pump!  Every foundation, bb cream, moisturizer, ect should have a pump! (Hope you're listening Revlon!)  It is a high quality pump and easy to use to get the exact amount desired.

Garnier:  Eh, it's my biggest complaint about this product.  There is no pump and this product is runny so when you open it, the product is all over in the lid and can be messy, as you can see in picture above.

 

Winner:  Hands down, Lioele.  Love the pump! And the pink!

OVERALL WINNER: Garnier!

 I do think that these products are just so completely different that it is hard to compare.  But if we look at which bb cream won the most categories and we also keep in mind price and availability I think it's easy to say that Garnier's Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream for Combination to Oily Skin is the best choice.

 

My snobbery towards Westernized bb creams has been forever changed!  Now I could argue that Asian bb creams are claimed to have long term benefits while Western versions do not but that is a whole different post.  I have not noticed any long term effects from my Lioele BB Cream but I also do not wear it daily.

 

What is your favorite bb cream?

Worth the Splurge??! The NAKED Palette

I really want the focus of this blog to be about affordable makeup but I thought every once in a while it would be fun to talk about the higher end products that are or are not worth the splurge.

 

Today, lets look at my dear ol' Naked palette.

 

When I first started hearing about this palette a few years ago, it was impossible to find in stores. Every place was sold out and it made me so curious to know, is it really ALL THAT?  I bought a few "dupes" to try and satisfy this need for Naked in my life but nothing really seemed to compare to the whole palette and all the colors it offered.   Oh the drama!

 

But then my wonderful husband surprised me with my very own Naked palette for Mother's Day last year.  And... I love it!  Like I said before, there are palettes said to be dupes but I didn't find anything that really matched the greatness of this palette.  There are a lot of individual colors from this palette that can be compared, I listed a few in my comfort zone post, but to me this palette is one of a kind.  Whenever I do travel or pack a makeup bag, this little guy is all I need. 

 

 The shadows are so pigmented and buttery smooth. They go on like a dream and blend out effortlessly.  Take a look!
 

 

 

Colors: Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar, Buck, Half Baked, Smog, Darkhorse, Toasted, Hustle, Creep, Gunmetal

I will say the names are not the greatest.  Why didn't UD ask for my input when naming these colors?

 

 Swatches:

Without Flash

With Flash

Here are a few of my favorite and frequent looks from this palette:

 

Everyday Eye: Virgin, Naked and Buck

 This is what I use on an everyday basis; for days when I'm running errands and doing things around the house.  Buck contours the eye without making it look like I'm wearing a ton of makeup and virgin is a great highlight without loads of shimmer, just leaves a pretty sheen. 




Bronzey Goodness: Virgin, Buck, Half Baked, Smog, Darkhourse

I love a bronzed eye!  I think that every skin tone and every eye color looks beautiful with bronze shadow.  I especially love this look in the summer time!  It makes me feel a little better about living in 110 degree heat.

 

Smokey Eye Simplified: Virgin, Naked, Buck, Hustle, Creep

Everyone wants to know how to do a sultry smokey eye.  I am not claiming to be a master but I think this combo makes for a great smokey eye and it's not too harsh or dark.  The key is to blend, blend, blend!

There are so many other color combos you could come up with, these are just three that I tend to do often.

As you can tell, I love my Naked palette.  I do believe that there are great drugstore options but I will say that this gets a SPLURGE WORTHY rating from me.  So next time your hubs or bank account gives you the thumbs up, get yourself a treat and pick this palette up!

The Naked palette can be bought at Ulta for $50 and right now they are having a free gift with purchase.   Also, I was super excited to find that on Amazon a seller has this palette (new) listed for about $36 HERE.

So what do you think? Do you have the Naked palette?  Do you think it's worth the splurge?



Drugstore steals for under $5!

There are some good things at the drugstore for less than $5!
 

Here are some of my favorites:

 

Wet n Wild Color Icon Blush
$2.99 at CVS or Walgreens

Wet n Wild's Pearlescent Pink is said to be a dupe for Nar's oh so famous blush.  I love the color of this, it's a peachy pink with a hint of shimmer.  I love my peachy pink blushes!  Wet n Wild also has a matte blush that's great too.  Beware these are very pigmented so use a light hand!  I have an upcoming blog post about my whole Wet n Wild collection so I will go into more detail about these blushes then.

 

 

ELF Studio Blush in Mellow Mauve
$3 at Target

ELF blushes are some of my favorite and they have some really gorgeous colors available!  The pigmentation is great and I feel as though they last as long as my MAC blushes.  A few of my favorites are Mellow Mauve, Pink Passion and Tickled Pink.

 

 

 

NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny
$2.99 at Target or Walmart

If you follow any beauty blogs or ever watch YouTube beauty vlogs, you've probably heard all about NYC's Sunny bronzer!  But if you haven't, Sunny is a MATTE medium tone bronzer which is great because it won't make you look like a big disco ball!  It is really hard to find a matte bronzer at the drugstore and so far NYC seem to have beat any competition on this one, especially for the price!  Sunny is a little more sheer than some bronzers but you can slowly build up the color to get the perfect amount.  I will say that too much of this bronzer can start to look a little orangey especially on lighter skin tones so build slowly.

 

 

Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer in Reserve your Cabana
$3.99 at CVS or Walgreen's

I have no idea why Wet n Wild call this a bronzer.  It's not!  The fairest of fair skin tones could not use this as a bronzer.  Even the picture above is showing up much darker than it is.  So why is this a steal at the drugstore?  Because it is the most beautiful highlight powder!  This "bronzer" is said to be a dupe for Lorac's Spotlight Luminizing Powder but I can't say for sure because I don't have Lorac's to compare.

 

 

e.l.f. Studio Blush Brush
$3 at Target

Elf calls this a blush brush but I find that this is the perfect brush for applying powder bronzer.  It has a slight point at the end for a more precise, contoured look but it works great for sheering out and blending too.  I use this brush everyday!

 

 

 

 Wet N Wild Color Icon Palettes
Trio $2.99, 8-pan $4.99 at CVS or Walgreens

 

Wet n Wild makes great eyeshadows for the price and there are so many of these that are dupes to higher end shadows.  Just google Wet n Wild dupes and you will find great blog posts!  Wait for CVS or Walgreens to do BOGO 1/2 off and you can get an even better deal!  You can see my Comfort Zone palette review and dupes post HERE.

 

 

Jordana Incolor FabuLiner in Black
$2.99 at Walgreen's

This eyeliner is a stiffer felt tip and very pigmented.  Because it's a stiffer brush, it's great for beginners or people that are not very comfortable with liquid liners.  I've never had any problems with this smudging or transferring.  I think it looks great all day.

Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara, Black
$2.99 at Walgreen's

I am so surprised by how much I like this mascara!  When I first opened it, I was very unimpressed by the brush.  It just seemed like your average old school mascara brush, not capable of doing anything exciting or fancy to your lashes but I was completely wrong!  The brush combined with it's formula is awesomeness in a tube!  I actually think that I prefer this over my CoverGirl Lash Blast and Physician's Formula mascara (gasp)!  I have not had any smudging or transfer issues which is impressive since it is summer in Arizona.  The greatest part....it's only $2.99!  Seriously, get in the car and go pick this bad boy up!

 

 

e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set
$3 at Target

I use this everyday.  I do think it helps my makeup last longer but what I really love it for is that it eliminates any powdery look that makeup can cause.  This spray just helps everything blend together and look more natural.  One thing I will say is the spray nozzle is not my favorite.  It's not bad but not great.  It definitely does not mist like Urban Decay's setting spray or MAC's Fix +.  I actually have a travel size bottle of UD's setting spray that ran out so now I just continue to pour the elf version into it's bottle for the better spray nozzle.


So there you have it, all my tried and true drugstore steals!  I hope you enjoyed it.  Stay tuned for my Wet and Wild post coming up!



Quick, Everyday Mommy Makeup

My sweet friend asked me to do a blog post on quick, everyday Mommy makeup!  I went ahead and timed myself before writing this to see exactly how long it takes me to do my everyday makeup.  This is pretty much what I do everyday give or take contouring.  Today I did not contour since it would have added about 30 seconds to this time. 
 

Here is my final stopwatch time:

 

 

These are the face products I used:

(Clockwise) Covergirl Outlast foundation, Physician's Formula bronzer, Milani Luminoso blush, Revlon Nearly Naked powder, Maybelline DreamLumi Highlighting concealer, Covergirl & Olay corrector

 

1. I blend out the Covergirl Outlast foundation with my Sigma angled kabuki brush.  This is the quickest way I've found to apply foundation.  One pump is the perfect amount to even out my skin tone but to avoid looking cakey. 

2.  I use the Covergirl & Olay corrector (You can find this clearanced out at CVS for 50% off!) to help cover up those annoying dark circles under my eyes.  I also blend it out around the bottom and corners of my nose where I tend to get a little red.

3.  I highlight under my eyes, middle of my forehead and down my nose using the Maybelline DreamLumi Touch concealer in the color radiant.  You can see how I do that in my highlighting and contouring post HERE.

4.  I use bronzer to warm up my face.  I apply this making an E or 3 shape. I start at the top of my forehead, sweep down my temples, under my cheekbones then back down along my jaw bone. 

Don't you just love my fantastic paint skills?

5.  I place blush on my cheeks, just above the bronzer.  One of my favorite blushes EVER is Milani's Luminoso.  It is a peachy pink blush with a gorgeous sheen.  The sheen makes your skin look fresh and glowy!  (This week CVS is having BOGO 1/2 off Milani products.  This blush with the eyeliner I'm about to show you would be the perfect two picks for this deal!)

6.  I lightly dust my Nearly Naked powder on my T-zone to help eliminate any oil.

 

Eye Products: I'm not trying to create a beautiful eyeshadow/eyeliner masterpiece, I'm just trying to define my crease and make my eyes look bright and alert.

(Clockwise: NYX Caviar and Bubbles palette, eyelash curler, Physician's Formula Organic Wear mascara, Milani Liquif'eye liner in brown, Maybelline Color Tattoo in Inked in Pink)

Close up of the NYX palette.  This is a great affordable neutral palette with even a few matte shades!

1.  I prime my eyelids to prevent creasing.  To make it quick, I like to use the Maybelline Color Tattoo cream eyeshadows.  They are long wearing and effortlessly add a pretty wash of color.  My favorite are Inked in Pink and Bad to the Bronze.  I apply this cream shadow with my finger all over my lid stopping just before the crease and whatever is left on my finger I run along the lower lash line. 

2. I take a matte soft brownish-peach shade (top row, third shadow over) and blend that out in my crease using windshield wiper motions.  I also run this same color with the same brush along my lower lash line to add a little bit of depth.  When I'm not using this palette, I use MAC's Soft Brown eyeshadow.  Soft Brown is one of my favorite MAC colors.  

3.  I mix the top right shade and the bottom pink shade (4th over) and very lightly sweep that underneath my brows and place it on the inner corner of my eyes.  Putting a lighter color on the inner corner really helps to make them pop and look more awake.  I also use that same color combo to lightly dust over the cream shadow to set it in place and help it last longer.

4.  I take the matte dark brown color on the bottom row (3rd over) and I press that into my upper lash line with an angled liner brush.  I focus mostly on the outer half of my lash line.  This will help the lash line look thick but still natural. 

5. I use Milani's liquif'eye liner and place a very small, short line on the outer corner of my lower lash line.  This liner is very pigmented and smudges out beautifully.  I use that same angled eyeliner brush to smudge it out along the outer half of my lower lash line.

 6.  If your lashes stick straight out like mine, curl them lashes!

7.  Add a quick coat of mascara.

 

Last step:

Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Truffle

Top the look off with a simple lip!  Love, LOVE Revlon Lip Butters and this color, Pink Truffle is my favorite!  Although it is coming across darker in this picture, it's a beautiful pinky nude!  I think anyone would look great wearing it!  It's one of those lipsticks that I can apply without a mirror because it goes on so effortlessly and look so natural.   

 

End Result + awkward selfies... :)

 

 

 



 

There you go, my everyday 6-ish minute Mommy makeup!

 

 

I love getting request and ideas for new posts so keep them coming!  :)

My Beauty Wish List...

There are certain days that my wonderful husband can sense that I need to get out of the house.  On those nights, he kindly suggests I go out for a late night shopping adventure and usually I end up at Target or Ulta.  While I'm browsing the beauty section, I can never seem to remember what it was that I wanted to get!  Does that ever happen to you?  You go to the store without much money to spend and you see EVERYTHING you want but then when you have some money or a gift card nothing appears interesting anymore?  Happens to me EVERY time!  Well, I've started keeping a beauty wish list on my phone to avoid these shopping brain blackouts and I'd thought I'd share some of it with you!

 

The first thing is a splurge which is exactly why I have not bought it yet.  It's a beautiful matte eye shadow palette:

Stila In the Know Eyeshadow Palette
$39 at Sephora

 SO. PRETTY.  I am a sucker for matte eyeshadow.  To me, nothing looks better than a well done matte eye with black winged liner.  LOVE!

 

 

A more wallet friendly option I've been wanting to try for a while:

Sonia Kashuk Eye Coutour Palette
$19.99 at Target

Once again, this is an all matte palette that I've heard great things about!  I've been holding off buying it because I'm waiting for Target to give out another $3 off Sonia Kashuk coupon but I'm getting a little anxious!

 

 

Moving on from eye products:

Maybelline Vivids in Hot Plum
$5.54 at Target

I finally was able to find a $2 off Maybelline coupon and I will be using it for this gorgeous lipstick.  Have you tried any of the Maybelline Vivids line?  They are amazing, so bright and opaque! 

 

 

I'm always looking for good dupes and I'm wanting to put this next product to the test!

NYX Pore Filler
$12.99 at Ulta

I'm always on the search for a good primer, especially something geared towards minimizing pores.  I've read that this is a good dupe for Benefit's Porefessional.  While the price of this product is still less than half the cost of the Benefit primer, I'm patiently waiting for Ulta to do their 40% NYX sale, that is when I'll do my happy dance, oh and buy this primer.

 

 

I love me some skin care products.  Sometimes I have more fun buying and using skin care than makeup.  Because you know what they say, "If you got good skin, you don't need much makeup!"  Actually no one says exactly that, I just made that up but I'm sure people make this point all the time. ;)

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair eye cream
$19.99 at Target

Lately I've noticed fine lines around my eyes and in between my brows.  Not loving it.  I've done some research and it seems like this eye cream is a front runner for a drugstore pick.  It's still pretty pricey for a drugstore product which is why I haven't bought it yet but I'm on the search for a coupon.  I know it's out there!

 

 

And last, for my poor ol' heat damaged, color treated hair:

Neutrogena Shampoo anti-residue formula

I've been wanting to buy a clarifying shampoo for a while now but it's just not a fun product to spend your money on which is why I forget to look for it.  I've heard this is a really good clarifying shampoo that gets rid of all the gunk left behind from hair products.  I always worry about these types of shampoos being really stripping and drying so I'd probably only use this once every two to three weeks.  The claim at the top of the box says, "use once a week to make your favorite shampoo work better".  Sounds good to me!

 

Have you tried any of these products? What is on your wish list?

Easy Highlighting and Contouring with Drugstore Products!

I love the look of a lightly contoured and highlighted face.  I'm not talking Kim Kardashian, stark white under eyes and super chiseled cheekbones, I'm talking about a natural glow and a little slenderizing of the face!  This is my "mommy-fied" contouring and highlighting routine.  It's not too strong and it only adds about a minute to my makeup time in the morning but I feel like it makes a huge difference! 

 

Before I post these pictures, I want to give you a fair warning that I have NOT mastered the art of selfies.  I think I missed that class in high school.  You know those girls that can take amazing pictures of themselves sitting in the car with their hair flowing in the breeze and their face glowing, looking almost photo shopped, with a cute little coy smile on their face?  Yeah, I'm not one of those.  Maybe one day I'll get it but until then you are going to get some incredibly awkward pictures.  So lets just focus on the makeup, okay?

 

Before and highlighting and contouring:

 

During highlighting and contouring:

Products and description of placement will be below pics.

 

After contour and highlight is blended:

 

 

Contouring and Highlighting Products:

 

1. Maybelline DreamLumi Touch Highlighting Concealer, Radiant

Retails for $6.44, Target

This is PERFECT for an nice subtle highlight.  I had mistakenly bought the color Ivory and it did not have the glow I was looking for, it actually gave me that pale, sickly look I was trying to avoid!  Then I realized there was a color Radiant which is perfect because it has a slight pink undertone and really warms and lifts the under eyes but also brightens and looks healthy.

 

I apply this in a triangle shape under my eyes, down the center of my nose, on my forehead in a "t"shape and a few downward swipes on the chin.  (See above picture above)  Basically you want to place this highlight anywhere on your face that you want to stand out.

 

I blend everything out with my trusty beauty sponge, make sure to dampen it first to get that airbrushed look.  If you are looking for a cheap, good quality sponge, check out TJ Maxx or Marshall's.  They have an awesome blending sponge by the brand Revive for about $3.50.  You could always splurge and get the Beauty Blender at Sephora or Ulta.  It's about $20 and although I've heard nothing but rave reviews I can't get myself to spend that much for a darn sponge!  You could also use your trusty fingers to blend out, they're free! 

 

 

2.  Sonia Kashuk Undetectable Creme Bronzer, Rich Bronze

Retails for at $10.99, Target

Check website or sign up for their mobile coupons! Every few months Target circulates a $3 off Sonia Kashuk coupon.

Cream bronzer has always been a scary thing for me.  But since I've bought this product I am in love!  The nice thing about a cream bronzer is that it naturally blends into your skin, unlike a powder that sits on top and can sometimes look cakey and a bit obvious.  This bronzer blends out so beautifully, I think it's pretty much fool proof!  (If you do go for a powder bronzer to contour, make sure there is no shimmer and that it doesn't lean on the orange side!) 

 

The Sonia Kashuk bronzer comes in two colors, I bought the darker shade because the lighter color had a lot of orange in it and no one wants an orange contour! I've seen a few blogs say that the lighter color is a dupe for the Chanel Bronze Universal so if you've been wanting that bronzer, check out Sonia Kashuk's for a fourth of the price! To see a comparison check out Shades of Cassie's video.

 

To apply this cream bronzer, I use my Elf small stipple brush which I got for $3 at Target!

 

I place the product right in the contours of my cheeks.  To find the contours of your cheeks look in a mirror and make a fish face.  The shadow that you see under your cheeks is where you want to place the bronzer.  I also like to contour the sides and very top of forehead, this will make your forehead appear smaller.  If you already have a small forehead, skip this step.  Then I place a light amount of bronzer underneath my chin which will recede any double chin action.  I also run a small amount of product along my jaw bone.  Whatever is left on my brush, I run on the sides of my nose.  This will help my nose appear smaller, thinner and straighter.

 

I blend the bronzer out with my same damp beauty sponge.  If my sponge is dirty, I use the same stipple brush that I used to apply.

 

 

If anything looks harsh I just keep on blending with my sponge or brush until there are no definite edges and everything seems to run together.

 

 

Here is the before and after shot one more time: 

Before Highlight and Contour

After

 

Can you tell the difference?  What are your favorite highlighting and contouring products? 

 

Also, check out Maskcara!  She is one of my favorite beauty bloggers and is awesome at this highlighting and contouring business!

Wet n Wild Comfort Zone review, dupes and comparisons

A few days ago I went to CVS and "bought" the Wet n Wild Comfort Zone palette.  I've had my eyes on it for a while and with my extrabucks, $1 off peelie coupon and a 25% off total purchase it ended up being almost free!  I think I ended up paying 49 cents!  If you don't have any coupons, the palette retails at CVS for around $5.

 

I've always loved Wet n Wild eyeshadows.  They are such great quality, super pigmented and the best part... VERY affordable!  I've heard really good things about this palette, particularly that there are a ton of dupes.  While I was comparing them to my MAC and Urban Decay colors, I was impressed by how much more smooth some of these felt than it's higher end comparables! 

 

Wet n Wild Comfort Zone

 

 

Below are swatches of the palette. I have included dupes and comparable shadows above some of the WnW colors. Scroll down to see names and more pictures.

 

With flash

Natural light

 

I was able to find dupes to a few of my MAC and Urban Decay eyeshadows.  I'm sure there are plenty more out there but this is just within my collection.  A few looked so similar in the pan but once swatched, they were very different!  All of the swatches are without primer and in one swipe.

 

 

The top left shade is a yellowish-beige color, I found it to be very similar to MAC's Rice Paper.  Even the sheen is similar. 

 

WnW (left), Rice Paper (right)

 As you can see WnW is actually more pigmented with one swipe!

 

 

Next is the second shade on the left.  It is a shimmery, pinky champagne color.  It is comparable to MAC's All that Glitters, which is one of my favorite lid colors! 

 

Wet n Wild (left), All That Glitters (right)

As you can see the WnW color has a slight redder undertone but they are pretty darn close! 

  

 

 

I tried comparing MAC's Woodwinked with this 3rd color on left, a medium brown with shimmer and found although it looked similar in the pan, WnW is slightly darker. I also tried Urban Decay's Smog but they were even more different. 

WnW (left), Woodwinked (right)

 

 

The darkest brown in this palette is very pretty and pigmented.  I wasn't able to find a dupe or really anything comparable in my collection which surprised me because I'm a sucker for reddish brown eyeshadows! I've seen others say it is a dupe for MAC's Smut but I don't have this color to compare.

 

Moving over to the right side, I was pretty confident that MAC's Vex would be a perfect match since they are pretty much identical in the pan.  (My poor Vex is getting to the end of it's days!)

 



WnW (left), Vex (right)
 



Although they look identical in the pan, the WnW shade is much more pigmented.  I love Vex on the lid, but it really didn't swatch well.  I also wonder if I would have been able to get a better swatch if I wasn't working with an almost empty pan!

 

 

I was not able to find anything in my collection that looked close to the 2nd color on the right.  I tried Humid by MAC but the WnW shade is much lighter.  I've heard it's a dupe for MAC's Juxt but I don't have that color to compare.

 

 

 

 

The third shade on the left looked a lot like Sumptuous Olive by MAC but when I swatched them, they were very different.  My closest match was Darkhorse by Urban Decay.  Although they are not exact, when applied to the lid, I could not tell the difference! Darkhorse swatches a little warmer.

 



WnW (left), Darkhorse (right)
 



 

 

Last but not least, the final color in this palette is my absolute favorite! This was actually the first color I wanted to swatch because it's so darn pretty.  I was pretty sure this was going to be an exact dupe for MAC's Club but I was really surprised with the results!

 

WnW (left), Club (right)

 I was amazed by how much more pigmented the WnW shade swatched!  This was just one swipe and the duo chrome is very evident.  While Club appears to have that same duo chrome in the pan, it does not swatch the same.  I have to say, I prefer the WnW shade to Club!

 

 

 

Overall, I think this is a great palette for around $5!  You get eight pigmented eyeshadows for less than the price of one MAC shadow!  I also have found that they wear just as well throughout the day as my MAC and UD.  My biggest complaint about this palette is that there are no matte shades!  I know Wet n Wild is capable of making good matte shades but I don't understand why they chose not to include at least one!  Because of it's lack of matte shadows, I don't feel like this could be that one and only palette to travel with.  But other than lack of matte shades, I think it's a great palette!

 

What do you think of the Comfort Zone palette?