I dipped into Target the other day, as one does, and noticed there was 30% off certain cosmetic brands, so I took this as an opportunity to spend up try out some NYX goodies, the new Maybelline Brow Satin Define and Fill duo and a Stay Natural Concealer from Essence Cosmetics.

L-R: Essence Stay Natural Concealer, Maybelline Brow Satin pencil and powder NYX Nude Glam, Golden Glam liquid eyeliner, Color Mascara

Okay, so these swatches aren't cute but you get the idea.

Let's get the bad out of the way first. The Stay Natural concealer lived up to the first part of its name, as indeed I did stay natural with dark circles under my eyes. However, the "concealer" part was sadly lacking. Thin, watery formula with no concealment properties whatsoever. This is my first burn from Essence, whose products I usually find very good despite the low price points. So at $4.10 or whatever it was, I can safely bin it with only mild irritation. Unless anyone has tips or tricks for repurposing weak concealer? Essence, I ain't mad tho - I still really really want your Love & Sound Glastonberry lipstick but I have been to no fewer than ten (10) Pricelines with no success! Can anyone help me track one down?

Onto the Maybelline Brow Satin duo thingo. I generally fill my brows with a matte brown Almay eyeshadow and an angled brush but I'm always looking for an easier way. This contraption has a waxy pencil at one end and a foam applicator with powder at the other. Needs a bit of refinement, I feel. My brows are petite and kind of stop halfway so I have to be careful that they don't look too drawn on or heavy and the foam applicator doesn't quite give me the precision I need. I've been using the pencil but it's really easy to misstep and end up looking like Bert from Sesame Street.

The NYX products I picked up were a Color Mascara and two Glam Liner Aqua Luxe liquid liners (now that I'm a pro at liquid liner). 

Nude Glam is a gorgeous rose gold while Golden Glam is a deeper true gold. Both apply easily with the thin, flexible brush and have good staying power. The range of colours available will probably see me going back for more to add some pop!

Speaking of colour, the blue mascara is a nice shade; visible in sunlight but subtle enough for everyday looks. There was also a purple and a brown available in store, but I've since seen this post on Rachel : Beauty : Style that shows red, teal, pink and even an acid yellow! I think I really need to try the pink so if you see it in store, do let me know. Coloured liners and mascaras are a good (and - importantly - subtle) way for me to satisfy my need for bright jazzy colour on the eyes without going full 80s disco.     

I'm also keen to try out a NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream - I've seen a makeup look done using "Copenhagen" that looked divine.

I tend to forget about Target for cosmetics. Which is probably a good thing given how much temptation I don't need!

Not at Target but I also picked up another Maybelline Color Drama lip pencil in "Red Essential", taking my total up to 5. These things are sooo good. I've been looking for this colour for a while but it's always sold out, so I was pleased to finally see it in store at Priceline and scoop it up with my $5 birthday voucher. Apparently they are a pretty good dupe for NARS Velvet Matte lip pencils (some say better!). I don't own any (as much as I would seriously like to) so I can't draw the comparison accurately but feel free to chime in if you do. I am hanging for an expanded colour range!

Linking up with Ingrid at Fabulous and Fun Life for the Monday Make-Up Madness link party.

Bought any jazzy coloured make-up lately?