I was originally going to do an “October Faves” type of thing, but it’s well into November at this point, sooo these are things I’m loving right now

Revlon Matte Kohl Eyeliner

I was slightly on the fence as to whether or not I was satisfied with the performance of this pencil, but now I’m sure that this liner and I are inseparable for the time being. In the photos from my last review I had only applied two, relatively thin layers. Anymore I’m layering on Revlon’s Matte Kohl like crazy and the feedback is indeed an intense matte black that I crave on the daily. I usually just apply it to my bottom waterline and lashline and leave my top lid un-lined, then pile on tons of L’Oreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara. My only qualm is that Revlon’s Matte Kohl fades in mere hours. Big time. I could use Primer Potion, I suppose, but I can’t be bothered with the extra step on an everyday basis.

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On a trek to CVS for black eyeliner I also stopped into Urban Outfitters to peruse their sales. I found no worthy sale items but did walk out with two UO nail polish shades: Green 1 and Black 1. Who knew there was UO brand nail polish? Once I paint my nails again I’ll let you all know how they perform. Yay!

So, at CVS they were having a Buy 1 Get 1 Free sale on all Revlon cosmetics. I figured that dishing out $9.99 for two Revlon Matte Luxurious Color Kohl Eyeliners in Black Truffle would be a good deal and also hoped that it would be just what I wanted – a deep black soft kohl liner to wrap my eyes for the fall/winter just as a soft jet black cashmere sweater does for the body. I love, love a sooty kohl black liner in the winter against frosted lips. That’s just my thing.

L’Oreal True Match Foundation, L’Oreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara, Revlon Matte Kohl Eyeliner, Kiss My Face SOS Gloss in Opal

The liner goes on smooth but I had to apply two layers to get the “intense matte color” Revlon touts. It stayed put for about four hours but then started to fade. I really can’t think of any kohl liner I’ve ever bought that stayed on for longer than that (although MAC’s Eye Kohl in Smolder is a sootier black, thus more satisfying) so I suppose at the Buy 1 Get 1 price of two for $9.99 I’m okay with its performance.

I’m NOT okay with the fact that it feels like winter already outside here in the Midwest. Fall just kinda went outski as soon as the season changed and I’m already in my winter trench when I step outdoors. No bueno.

So, I haven’t quite acquired all items from Stila’s Indian Summer 2009 Collection, but I am in love with the items I do have. This includes Stila Lip & Cheek Stain in Mango Crush (which I wear on my cheeks and eyes alone or as a base shade for blush or shadow), 24kt Shimmer Gloss in Radiant Sunset, and Stila Smudge Pot for eyes in Golden Noir – all of which I am wearing today in the photo below.

I have no qualms about any of the above items from the Stila Indian Summer collection. Mango Crush Lip & Cheek Stain blends so well, stays put, and looks natural against my skin. (…If I could blush a shade of peach, that is. Ha!) Stila’s Lip & Cheek Stains adjust to your personal pH levels to leave the perfect hue every time.  Radiant Sunset 24kt Shimmer Gloss wears so comfortably and has never dried my lips. It’s also really pretty with fine flecks of genuine 24kt gold. Golden Noir Smudge Pot for eyes is a smokey black shade with flecks of gold, which are barely detectable on but glimmers in sunlight. I’m wearing it on my bottom lash line, but not on the waterline since Stila advises against that. I apply the Smudge Pot with a small angled flat brush designed for applying cream eyeliner.

What do you think of this look? Too plain? Just right? And how much do you love Stila (if you’ve ever tried Stila Cosmetics)? I fall in love over and over again.

My beauty bag staple, must-have, whathaveyou is definitely black eyeliner. I feel so naked without it! It truly picks up my face and completes all of my makeup looks. I’m often told that I look “tired” without it. Today would be one of those naked days since I’ve used up my new drugstore fave eyeliner Jane One Liners Self-Sharpening Eyeliner. I used Jane One Liners in Blackline in this video. My favorite thing about this liner is that, not only is it only $4 (drugstore steep, maybe, but cheap compared to my usual high-end makeup buys), but the twist-up “self-sharpening” kohl is perfect for quick and easy application. You never have to sharpen this baby! The only con is that if you use eyeliner as much as I do, Jane One Liners will only last for about a month.

All in all, I give Jane One Liners a thumbs up and will purchase again!