Bella Beauty makeup sponge

Happy Monday! Today I have a review on a product I picked up at random from TJMaxx. I have heard all the rave reviews about the BeautyBlender but let's be real here, I am not spending $20 on a makeup sponge. I just won't do it. When I saw this Bella Beauty sponge for $4.99 at TJMaxx I figured it was worth a try. I cannot compare the Bella Beauty sponge to the BeautyBlender as I have not tried the BeautyBlender before, but I can tell you my impressions of the Bella's makeup sponge. Here is a look at the packaging:

They came in a multitude of colors including blue, green, yellow and pink. The packaging is cute and convenient. As you can see in the picture the sponge is latex-free and hypoallergenic. I have sensitive skin so it is always great when I can find a product that is hypoallergenic. I searched to see if I could find this sponge online but I could not even seem to find a website for Bella Beauty. If you find the website be sure to let us know in the comments below!

Here is a picture of the sponge out of the package. I picked up two, one in pink and one in blue. Here is a photo of the pink sponge:

Here is a picture of the sponge in my hand so you can get a feel for the size, I have normal to small hands.

Ok, now that all the technical things are out of the way lets get to the review/first impressions. I like this sponge very much. It gets about twice its size when wet. The wetter the sponge the more sheer the coverage you are going to get. I like a medium coverage so I ring out most of the water from the sponge before I apply my foundation. I have used both drugstore and higher end foundation with this sponge and both worked out well. I like the look the sponge application gives to my face, more of an airbrushed look. It is easy to blend. Although the point at the top is convenient I don't find myself using it as much as the bottom end. I dot my foundation onto the face and blend it in with the sponge. 

I would give this sponge an 8.5 out of ten. Keep in mind I have nothing to compare it to, but for me it works just fine. No need for a $20 sponge here. I can buy four of these for one BeautyBlender. I do have one complaint. The sponge does get stained pretty quickly. I know they all do but the perfectionist in me comes out and it drives me insane but that does not affect performance. It is relatively easy to clean. They recommend if you use it every day to clean it once a week. I find myself giving it a good cleaning every other day because I'm a clean freak. The packaging suggests using your face cleanser, baby shampoo or a mild soap. I use my Neutrogena sensitive face cleanser to clean it and it works just fine. 

I hope this review helps! If you are looking for these sponges I have seen them in both Marshall's and TJMaxx! :) Have a wonderful week and happy makeup-ing!

Covergirl lipperfection jumbo gloss balm

My first product review! I picked up three of these covergirl jumbo gloss balms at my local Walmart. They were $6.94, much cheaper than at CVS. Little fact I learned this weekend, you CAN return used cosmetics to Walmart as long as you still have to receipt! For years I thought they would not accept them so I was glad to hear that I could return the color 205 "ballet twist". I did not swatch it but I will tell you why I did not care for it. The color appeared very satin-y when applied to my lips. I prefer a matte or slight glossy finish in my lip products, I just can't do satin.

The three colors I do have swatched are 210 "blush twist, 215 "watermelon twist" and 235 "coral twist". I love the formula of these gloss balm. I get great color payoff from the watermelon and coral twist. I do not love the blush twist, I might exchange it. The color gives off a slight satin finish similar to the "ballet twist". I'm not a lipstick gal, mostly because I can't really wear it on a daily basis. I go to college so I am going to class ever day. Wearing lipstick is a little too much so I prefer something I little more casual and easy to apply, something I can throw in my backpack and apply without a mirror if need be. So, without further adieux here are swatches of the three colors I own and a picture of the packaging. The only problem I have with the packaging is that they do not include the name of the color on the bottom, just the number. I find it easier to remember a name instead of a number when I am looking to repurchase the color. So a word of advise, remember the name of the color you are purchasing!

From top the bottom, 210 "blush twist", 215 "watermelon twist", and 235 "coral twist". I know I am not the best photographer but I'm working on it! 

Here is a picture of the packing, this is in 235 "coral twist".

If you have tried this product and have any thoughts about them let me know down in the comments, thanks for reading and I hope I gave you a little insight on this product!

Hello!

Hello! This is my first blog post ever! I am so excited to share my random thoughts and opinions on all things makeup, fashion and beauty! My posts will range from reviews to first impressions. I will try and always take pictures and swatch products for you! :) A little about me, I am a senior in college and about to graduate and enter the real world..yikes. I will graduate with a bachelors degree in accounting. I love all things makeup and I wanted to start to share my opinions on new products (some old too)! Thanks so much for visiting and I hope you enjoy!!

*Caveat: I am in no way, shape, or form an expert. I like makeup and it has become somewhat of a hobby. These posts are only my thoughts and opinions and should be taken with a grain of salt.