stila stay all day waterproof liquid eye liner: Swatches + Review!

If you watch my videos on the regular, you may have noticed that I've taken to wearing black liner this month. It's something I've never been completely comfortable with because I feel it can make my big bright eyes look clown-like and garish but, with the inclusion of the stila stay all day waterproof liquid eye liner in a Sephora box set I got for Christmas, I figured it was time to get over it and give this fan-favorite a go! With people raving about how pigmented and easy it was to apply, the artist in me was ready to scribble this across my lash line and become the millionth maiden to fall for this casanova-in-pen-form. 

…too bad that's not what happened; my panties were ready to drop but stila just couldn't get my belt unbuckled for the love shack shenanigans to ever begin.

Sure this liquid liner is pigmented… but only when you push down hard (which isn't exactly something I enjoy doing on my eyeballs). You can see in the photo above that the thick line is insanely black but that's only because I pressed the pen against my skin with heavy pressure; getting a thin line/any sort of a flick for a wing with this liner is impossible because the tip is so stupid flexible that pressure just makes it bend and create a sketchy nothing of a line. 

And, speaking of the tip, I had to trim the tip of my pen because when I first tried using it I couldn't get any ink to come out at all. Wut. I'm honestly thinking at this point I must have gotten a dud in my box set in the first place because the stila stay all day waterproof liquid liner is nowhere near as orgasmic as everyone else seems to think. Heck, I couldn't even get a little foreplay out of this thing, I had to do all the work myself!

I digress; it does look pretty fantastic if you take the time to fuss around with it. 

 The finish of the stila stay all day waterproof liquid eye liner has a semi-gloss/semi-matte look to it which I really love. I'm not the biggest fan of super glossy black liners so I was at least pleased with this aspect. Also, true to the stila smudge sticks (which I adore, and I'm talking Miley-Cyrus-rolling-in-the-sheets adore), this does stay all day though it's a bit more prone to smudging than the aforementioned (this is, however, coming from a chronic eye-rubber so take that with a grain of salt). 

I just feel like, for a whopping $20, this should perform better than what I've experienced. There should be no clipping of tips, no pressure on the eyeballs, no tugging when trying to layer to correct patchiness (which you can see in the slight jaggedness to the line two photos up), etc. Even if I hadn't gotten a 'dud' (and I'm purely assuming this based on other rave reviews) I'm still sad to hear and agree with the fact that this liner barely lasts a month before drying out. Unless you're wearing this literally every single day then that means you're spending at least a dollar on your eyeliner each morning… ouch! And no thank you.

Have you tried the stila stay all day waterproof liquid eye liner?

Love it? Hate it?

What's your favorite liquid liner (I'm on the hunt for a new one!)?

Do share!!

xoxo - Cassie

Return Of Weekly Outfits!!

Before I pass out (otherwise known as 'go to sleep' to those who follow a normal non-soul-sucking schedule) I just wanted to say I uploaded a new OOTW video to my YouTube channel a couple of hours ago… it's been over a month since my last one (yikes; I was unaware I had been such a shut-in over break) so I hope you enjoy their return!! 

These videos always remind me that I originally intended "Thrift Thick" to be a thrifting/styling channel haha #ohwell #dreamz.

xoxo - Cassie

The "Wet" Brush!

Before I forget: I just posted a new video onto my YouTube channel! 

I recently purchased the infamous "Wet" Brush and tested it out for you all… did it work or was it a big fail? You'll have to watch to find out~

xoxo - Cassie

NOTD: FOREVER21 "BABY BLUE/MULTI"

I was just looking at my (semi-sad, semi-pathetic) list of posts that I've done this past month and realized that I had only written one NOTD post… ONE!!! I hate myself. But truth be told I haven't been wearing much nail polish this January! I'm honestly not sure what it is but none of my polishes have appealed to me, at least not on the nail. I've painted multiple colors and finishes on my nails, from nudes to neons and sparkles to creams, only to have taken it off by the end of the day because it just didn't look right… what does this mean??? WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME??? (Many things my friends but I'll save my tears for the pillow later tonight/tomorrow/eternity.)

So to make up for my lack of posting in general and nail polish posts as a whole, I figured I'd look back at a darling nail polish I was wearing a couple of weeks ago and remember that nail polish is my friend; my lovely friend that my naked nails have broken up with for no rhyme or reason. Don't worry people-friends, I shall remedy this relationship very soon (who the heck would I be if I didn't??)!

Forever21 has been killing it in terms of their nail polishes lately; the overall color selection is on point and they've got some fantastic creamy glitters like this one available on their website (I haven't checked in stores but I'm sure they're there too). I mentioned in my latest haul video that I had such a hard time picking out just one polish (as per usual I could have happily added 10+ to my basket but figured I should show some decency and self restraint) and I'm happy to report that I think I picked out the best of them all: "BABY BLUE/MULTI". 

With such a fun polish you'd think Forever21 would pick out an equally fanciful name but oh well; I'd much rather they spent their time on the formula quality (which they did) than a quirky polish name. The formula of this polish is absolutely solid and could be considered opaque in just one coat. It really depends on your preference of how much glitter and how dense you like your polish to look. One coat leaves your nails looking milky and semi-sheer but plenty 'opaque' because of the varied and plentiful glitter. I personally did two coats for the photos below but that's just because I like giving the glitter a more layered effect (I think that's the true beauty of creamy glitter polishes!).

This polish lasted a good 5-6 days before showing any sign of wear and I couldn't be happier. The next time I have an extra few dollars I think I might head to Forever21 and get another beautiful creamy glitter polish rather than a bag of chocolates (I wish I could have both but sometimes you have to make those really hard decisions in life). I got so many compliments while wearing this nail polish and they were absolutely warranted; this is pure joy in a bottle and I highly recommend you picking up one (or five) for yourself the next time you order something from Forever21!

Have you tried nail polishes from Forever21?

Love 'em? Hate 'em?

What are you currently wearing on your nails?

Do share!

xoxo - Cassie

Guerlain Precious Lights Rejuvenating Illuminator: First Impression + Review!

I recently got around to trying out one of the Guerlain products that my lovely mother gifted to me this Christmas and, since it was highly requested to do so, I filmed all of my general thoughts and feelings on the product! So if you're interested in the Guerlain Precious Lights Rejuvenating Illuminator I've got the video linked above for you to check out. 

As always I hope you enjoy~

xoxo - Cassie

Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush "Candy Glow": Swatches + Review!

Blush is probably the easiest thing for me to resist in the realm of beauty products available because, when it comes down to it, I feel that it's the least noticeable change you can make in your makeup routine. On the eyes you can go from nudes, to rainbows, to thick lines or thin; false lashes, rhinestones, layers of mascara or subtle definition; literally every color imaginable for the lips from blue, to pink, to purple in an infinite number of formulas and finishes. But blush? It's pink, red, or berry (or a mixture of those three) with either a matte or shimmer finish… not very exciting in comparison if you ask me.

However, those feelings of indifference as to what graces my cheeks on the daily changed when I saw the Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush in "Candy Glow". It's a freaking heart for Beyzus sake! I had to have it and promptly begged Santa for its inclusion in my Christmas bounty… and squealed with schoolgirl delight when I opened it on Christmas morning.

Obnoxiously Large Haul!!

Having a lazy Sunday? Perhaps you would be interested in my latest video over on YouTube!

I promise to have an actual blog post up in the next couple of days here; sorry they've been sparse this month but I'm trying my darndest to keep at it~

xoxo - Cassie

January '14 Birchbox!

A new year, a new Birchbox… at least that's what Birchbox wants us to think. As excited as I was to see the contents of my box this month I'm no fool to the way yearly things work; a bang at the beginning to start a buzz and then the next month it's back to not-so-awesome-normality.

Regardless of my jaded feelings from the past (though honestly it's never happened to me, I've just seen it happen to many others over the beautiful thing we call "the internet") I'm willing to give Birchbox a moment of glory. They did a great job with this box and I'm only hoping this type of goodness continues in the months to come… it'll have to if they want me to renew my subscription in March!

All About Eyes TAG!

Long time no blog people!! Sorry about my absence (I was having maintenance problems in the apartment, had my mom and stepdad visiting over the weekend, etc.) but hopefully I'll be back to blogging super soon (the "hopefully" bit stems from school starting this week… yikes). 

Until then I figured I should finally post my most recent YouTube video up here for you to watch if you may have missed it; it's a fun one that I think you'll enjoy~

xoxo - Cassie

NOTD: deborah lippmann "CLEOPATRA IN NEW YORK"

If you watched my "What I Got For Christmas" video then you may remember seeing this beautiful bottle of polish amongst the glorious box that was the Sephora Favorites Superstars Beauty Must Haves kit. While it wasn't one of the main propellents of my purchasing the box set it definitely helped in my decision making (it's like when you go to Subway and just want a sub and a drink but you order the combo that comes with chips as well because it's cheaper and what the heck those cheddar sour creams look pretty darn good…). You get me?

I've always admired the beautiful glitter polishes that deborah lippmann creates but have only ever 'treated' myself to them when they've been free in some way or another (this one was something I considered an 'extra' in a kit I would have purchased regardless and the other ["ACROSS THE UNIVERSE"] was something I got with birchbox points) because, while they're stunning, they're not something I'd necessarily say is worth the splurge. I mean, don't get me wrong, they are worth it because they're beautiful but they're not quite worth the price because there are just so many other glitter polishes on the market for much less.
I think I'd sing a different tune if I didn't need to use an opaque base coat under these high end polishes. If you're familiar with glitter polishes though I think you know that you're either going to be paying for bountiful sparkle or for base color and in the case of deborah lippmann you're definitely getting the glitter; though admittedly the trashy girl inside me appreciates that on a fairly stupid level that goes much deeper than my nails.

I don't know how but I think this post somehow got really negative really fast haha. 

Honestly, if you're new to deborah lippman like I was when I purchased "ACROSS THE UNIVERSE" you'll probably flip your sh*t over this polish. The consistency is nothing short of a pleasure to work with (none of that goopy glitter bull crap that sparkly polishes are usually made of) and I mean… can we just admire the glittery beauty that is "CLEOPATRA IN NEW YORK"? It's a sheer black base loaded with large and small hexagonal gold glitter that, when layered, creates a depth in your nails that most polishes fail to do. This manicure was/is absolutely gorgeous and had me mesmerized while it lasted on my nails. If you don't mind splurging on nail polish then I'd definitely give this one (or any of the glitters) from deborah lippmann a go; you'll feel absolutely pampered and looking like a true wanna-be-princess.

Have you tried deborah lippmann's "CLEOPATRA IN NEW YORK"?

Feel like it lives up to the hype?

What's your most coveted glitter polish?

Do share!!

xoxo - Cassie

Empties Are Back!!

I keep forgetting to mention it here on my blog but I put up a new video a few days ago… and it's a long one! Reminiscing about my trash is always fun for me so hopefully you enjoy as well~

xoxo - Cassie

CoverGirl outlast stay fabulous 3-in-1 foundation: Swatches + Review!

Many people put "end procrastination" near the top (underneath "loose a stupid amount of weight under the guise of 'getting healthy'" of course) of their New Year's resolutions list. I myself embrace procrastination… not because I like it insert sadistic laughter here but because I'm pretty sure it's as much a part of me as is my milkshake (bringing all the boys to the yard since Y2K). 

This CoverGirl outlast stay fabulous 3-in-1 foundation review could'a-should'a-would'a been written around the same time I did my first impression video a month ago or, heck, even a bit before I included it in my Best & Worst of Beauty video for December but you know what? It didn't happen; I'm over it; I'm here; let's live in the now. The way I see it all of this extra time to ponder my feelings about this foundation will actually lead to a better review (did I mention my justification skills are as much a part of me as my procrastination? #partnersincrime) wink wink.