Too Faced | Better Than Chocolate | Review & Tutorial

 

Hi Beautiful People!

Today I’m reviewing Too Faced’s Better Than Chocolate Eyeshadow Palette for you.

And I have a tasty tutorial to go along with it! 🍫

So read on for delicious details about this candy inspired palette and how you can create a sweet eyeshadow look.

You can check out my video review and tutorial here

Review

Too Faced has had many chocolate inspired palettes over the years each with their own special eyeshadow finishes/textures (see my review of the Chocolate Gold palette, heavy on the metallic shadow finish, here).

Better Than Chocolate has a fun mix of finishes from mattes to shimmers to metallics. 

There are also some fun pops of color among the chocolatey neutral shades.

As with its chocolate predecessors the Better Than Chocolate palette is infused with real cocoa powder.

It claims to have the scent of "molten chocolate cake". 

To me, it has a light chocolate scent, which I prefer because it isn't overwhelming or too strong.

The Better Than Chocolate shadows are housed in a tin palette in the shape of a large rectangular chocolate bar with a nice sized mirror for easy application on the go. 

The palette itself seems durable enough to withstand being shuffled around in a makeup bag and will likely protect the shadows from damage (probably not from a drop though).

It contains 18 eyeshadow shades.

Eight mattes, Five shimmers, and Five metallics.

Each pan contains about 4 ounces of pressed powder eyeshadow.

A stunning line up of shades.

There are several beautiful eyeshadows in this palette. 

There are also a few that are a bit lacking.

Most of the metallics glide on beautifully and leave a gorgeous foil effect.

But one is a bit patchy and has some fallout (see shade breakdown below).

A majority of the matte shades are buttery soft and effortlessly blendable.

One is a little chalky and require extra work to use.

Most of the shimmers are highly pigmented and have minimal fallout.

A couple of the shimmers are powdery and need to be layered significantly to achieve pan shade.

Quick Stats:

Brand: Too Faced
Product: Eyeshadow
Color: Multiple
Finish: Matte, Shimmer, Metallic

Formula: Pressed Powder

Fallout: Yes (only a few shadows)

Chalky/Flaky: Yes/No (a few shadows)

Blendable: Yes

Lasts for: 8-10 Hours

 

Pros: Velvety soft and extremely blendable, most of these shadows are easy to work with to create eye looks.

There is a nice range of colors and finishes for a more neutral, subtle effect or a more dramatic and intense party look.

The long-lasting nature of these shadows makes them perfect for a long day at work, a party, or anytime you want your shadow to last without a touch up (umm... All the time).

Just enough of a light cocoa scent to live up to its name without being overpowering.

 

Cons: The real cons are only for a few individual shadows not the whole palette.

One of the mattes is chalky and needs more work to to blend or build color.

One of the metallics is patchy and requires a lot of shadow to reach a saturated foil appearance.

A couple of the shimmers are powdery and need layering to reach their full potential.

There is a little bit of fallout with some of the shimmer and metallic shades.

Swatches

 

 Heavy on the "chocolate" inspired shades, but there is a nice mix of some other colors to balance out the palette that give many options for eye looks (keep scrolling to see some)

Milk It - Snow white with silver & pink shimmer

(A bit powdery)

Buttercream - Terracotta with a matte finish

Gold Digger - Yellow gold with a metallic finish

Skinny Dipped -  Sienna brown with a metallic finish

Ooey Gooey - Light copper with rose gold shimmer

Midnight Snack - Dark plum with a matte finish

Reality Choc - Raw umber with a metallic finish 

(very patchy, hard to build color)

Bitter Half - Tawny brown with a matte finish

I'm the Dessert - Rust with a metallic finish

Sugar Rush - Lilac with light blue shimmer

Cake My Day - Deep ginger with a matte finish

Bite Me - Cameo brown with a matte finish

Lick the Bowl - Tan with a matte finish

Bless Your Tart - Cobalt Blue with silver shimmer

(powdery and has some fallout)

Nice Buns - Light persimmon with a matte finish

What the Fudge? - Light chestnut brown with a metallic finish

Brownie Points - Chocolate brown with a matte finish

Texts & Candy - Khaki green with gold shimmer

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⋆ (4 out of 5)

Would I Re-Purchase: Yes

 

Final Thoughts: Out of the 18 shades in this palette only two or three are little harder to work with.

Overall the eyeshadows are very lovely, give beautiful color and texture, and last all day long.

It is heavy on the brown shades, but what else would you expect from a "chocolate" titled palette?

I'm happy with my purchase and have been able to create many different eyeshadow looks.

Tutorial

Here is one of the looks I created using Too Faced's Better Than Chocolate palette.

You can watch my step-by-step tutorial here

1. Cake My Day & Buttercream: Run "Cake My Day" (deep ginger shade) all the way through the crease of the eye. Then use a blending brush to soften and diffuse.

Next brush "Buttercream" all over the eyelid for a nice base.

2. I'm the Dessert + a Flat Brush: On a flat brush take "I'm the Dessert" (Rust shade) and press it onto the eyelid focusing on the center. Try to leave the inner and outer third of the lid clean.

3. Sugar Rush + Shading Brush: Using a short shading brush dust "Sugar Rush" (lilac shade) onto to the inner corners of the eyes and on the inner 1/3 of the lid up to "I'm the Dessert" in the center.

 4. Bless Your Tart + a Small Eyeshadow Brush: Take "Bless Your Tart" (cobalt blue shade) on a small eyeshadow brush and work it onto the outer 1/3 of the eye, building up color intensity and meeting "I'm the Dessert" shade on the lid.

5. Black Eyeliner & Bitter Half: Take a liquid liner pen and run it across the top lash line just to get a little more definition, not making it the star of the show.

Next, glide a black eye pencil along the lower water line to add even more depth.

Then take "Bitter Half" (tawny brown shade) and run it along the lower lash line to tie our chocolate shades together.

6. Mascara + Concealer: Coat top and bottom lashes with a lengthening/volumizing mascara.

Then use a concealer under the eyes to clean up any fallout from the shimmer shades.

7. Contour, Highlight, Blush, Lip Gloss & Set: Use powder contour, highlight, and blush shades to lightly sculpt the face and a nude lip gloss to complete the look.

Set face makeup with a powder foundation.

Put all of these together and what do we get?

Our finished Too Faced Better Than Chocolate eyeshadow look!

I didn't go too over the top with the additional eye and makeup products. I wanted to showcase the eyeshadows from the Better Than Chocolate palette.

The shape I created with the blue shade ("Bless Your Tart") works as a mild wing effect so I didn't need to over do it with the liquid liner.

Products I used to create this Better Than Chocolate makeup look:

Too Faced: Better Than Chocolate Eyeshadow Palette

Too Faced: Eyeshadow in Cake My Day

Vasanti: Contour Eyeshadow Brush 4

MAC: 217 Blending Brush

Too Faced: Eyeshadow in Buttercream

Slmissglam: SS57 Blender Brush

Too Faced: Eyeshadow in I’m the Dessert

Beau Gâchis: Concealer Brush

Too Faced: Eyeshadow in Sugar Rush

F.A.R.A.H: Short Shading Brush 45 E Rose Gold Collection

Too Faced: Eyeshadow in Bless Your Tart

Sonia Kashuk: Small Eyeshadow Brush No.7

Girlactik: Precise Marker Liner in Black Noir

Lottie London: AM to PM Eyeliner Pencil in Black

Too Faced: Eyeshadow in Bitter Half

Luxie Beauty: Rose Gold Flat Definer Brush 221

Too Faced: Mascara

Winky Lux: Peeper Perfect Under-Eye Concealer in Fair

NYX: Highlight & Contour Pro Palette

Beaute Basics: C405 Contour Blush Brush

Beau Gâchis: Illuminator (Highlighting Brush)

L'Oréal: True Match Super Blendable Blush Baby Blossom

Sonia Kashuk: Synthetic Domed Multipurpose Brush No. 16

Realher: Color Rich Lip Gloss in I Am Radiant

MAC: Studio Fix Powder in NW10

Here are a couple more makeup looks you can create using Too Faced's Better Than Chocolate palette:

Buttercream on browbone

Cake My Day in crease

I'm The Dessert + Reality Choc on lid

Midnight Snack on outer lid and lower lash line

Brownie Points in crease

Texts & Candy on lid

Bless Your Tart on the outer 'v' of the eye

Midnight Snack on lower lash line

Milk It on brow bone and inner corners of eyes

Again you can watch my video here

That pretty much wraps up my review and tutorial of Too Faced's Better Than Chocolate Eyeshadow palette.

I really like the palette and if you are in the market for a fairly versatile palette I would recommend checking this one out.

If you like makeup reviews and tutorials I would suggest subscribing to this blog with your email address so they will be delivered straight to your inbox.

Here are some other posts you might enjoy:

ColourPop Lizzie McGuire Makeup Collection Review & Tutorial

Too Faced Chocolate Gold Palette Review & Tutorial

Thanks so much for reading!

XOXO

Ultima Beauty 

Want more makeup fun between blog posts? Check out my social media pages!

Follow me on Instagram
Follow me on Twitter

Follow me on Facebook 

Subscribe on YouTube

MAC | M·A·Cstack Mascara | Superstack Mega Brush | Review | Worth the Splurge?

 

Hey Beauty Lovers!

It's been a while since my last post.

A lot has happened in the last few months.

Between getting COVID after avoiding it for two and a half years, and some heartbreaking family losses I didn't feel up to even thinking about blogging for a while.

But in trying to adjust to the losses I choose to honor my lost loved ones in all I do and keep the memory of them close to my heart...

That's enough sentimentality for now, let's talk about some beauty products.

I have been trying some new makeup over the last few months and now I want to share my thoughts with you all!💖

Today is MAC and their new M·A·Cstack Mascara!

You can watch my video review here

I was so thrilled when I saw this mascara as an option for me to choose for my ipsy bag in July. 

I added it without looking at any of the other choices.😅

I had wanted to try MAC’s newest mascara but didn’t want to make the purchase. 

Why? Because mascara is one of the most overly sensationalized makeup products in the beauty industry. 

There are so many commercials that make outrageous claims about a mascara.

We see a model with full lashes that are miles long. 

But if we look at the small print in the bottom corner of the screen it typically says something to the effect of: "This models natural lashes have been enhanced with false lashes/inserts to show the affect of the mascara".

So is it the mascara that gave the model's lashes this incredible look or the false lashes?

It's hard to know without purchasing the mascara and trying it for yourself. 

And let’s be real, mascara is often a higher price than a foundation. 

But it’s MAC, I’ve always had a good experience with MAC products, so this one must be good too right?

Keep reading and I will breakdown the claims of M·A·Cstack Mascara Superstack Mega Brush versus the reality.

Note: My review is of M·A·CStack Mascara with Superstack MEGA brush, not M·A·CStack Micro Mascara.

QUICK STATS

Size: Mini

Color: Black

Waterproof: Yes

Formula: Volumizing & Lengthening

Wand Shape: Pyramid-like

Lasts for: 10+ Hours

Smudges/Flakes: No/No

Claim: "Infinite-Build Volume + Length"

Reality: The first time I used this mascara I was impressed by the instant length that it gave my lashes.

It is extremely buildable, as you can layer multiple "stacks" (coats) of mascara to reach the intensity and drama you like for your lashes.

Claim: "Clumps-resistant"

Reality: It's pretty clump free. As I was applying a coat I got a couple clumps in the corner of my lashes, but as I continued to brush the wand through it eliminated the clumps.

Claim: "Flake-resistant"

Reality: I haven't noticed ANY flaking at all. Even with a few "stacks" I haven't had flakes or any type of fallout.

Claim: "Customizable volume from natural to next-level, along with instant length"

Reality: Very customizable. If you apply just one or two "stacks" it will give you a natural, wide-eyed look, perfect for everyday.

If you apply multiple "stacks" it will give you varying levels of full, dramatic lashes for a night out, or anytime you want to feel a little extra special.

Claim: "24-hour wear"

Reality: This is likely true. I haven't had the occasion to wear mascara for 24-hours recently, but I wore it for a good 10+ hours in heat and humidity, and it didn't budge. 

I have the sample size that came in my ipsy bag. 

The sample size retails for $16 and the full size mascara for $28.

Steep, I know, especially right now. 

However, this mascara goes a long way and if capped tight can be used for quite a while.

Plus, the incredible building effect of this mascara can almost eliminate the need for additional eye products, like false lashes.

Pros: Gives great length and volume with totally customizable lash intensity. 

Perfect for any eye look you want to create; from a subtle flirty wink to a dramatic smoky eye.

Cons: No real cons with the formula, the only drawback would be the price. 

But based on how it's performed I think it's worth the price tag.

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5)

Would I Purchase a Full Size: Yes.

Worth the Splurge? Yes!

Final Thoughts: A multitasking mascara that can deliver on its claims (no false lashes needed 😉).

And here are a couple makeup looks I created using MACstack mascara

(Also using Winky Lux Peeper Perfect Concealer, stay tuned for that review!)

A dusty purple eyeshadow gives the perfect contrast to the intense black MACstack mascara.

(Also using Too Faced Better Than Chocolate palette. You can read that review here!)

A shimmery bronze smoky eye is made even more dramatic with MACstack mascara.

So I must say: Well done, MAC!

MACstack Superstack Mega Brush is a force to be reckoned with in the mascara world.

It moves up to the top of my go-to mascaras list.

I think it's Worth the Splurge and would recommend checking it out!

Again, you can check out my video review here

Thanks for stopping by and reading my MACstack Superstack Mega Brush review!

So you won't miss my next post, don't forget to subscribe  📧

You also might like:

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara | Worth the Splurge?

Benefit They're Real! Magnet Mascara | Worth the Splurge?

Thanks again for checking out my post!

XOXO

Ultima Beauty

Want more makeup fun between blog posts?  Check out my social media pages!

Follow me on Instagram
Follow me on Twitter

Follow me on Facebook 

Subscribe on YouTube

Cincinnati Bengals | Super Bowl | Makeup Tutorial

It's time to put on your game face, makeup fans!

In honor of the Super Bowl, I created a Cincinnati Bengals inspired makeup tutorial for you!

You can check out my LA Rams inspired makeup here

I don't really have a preference of who wins the Super Bowl this year. I like both teams.

Plus, the team I grew up watching every Sunday with my dad, the Buffalo Bills, are out.

That last playoff game vs the Chiefs had me on the edge of my seat, then broke me 😅

But I really admire Josh Allen and how he just went out on the field no matter how much time was left on the clock and just got the job done. I really admire his perseverance and drive. And I can't wait for next season to see what happens for him and the Bills 🏈

Anyway, back to our current season and the Bengals makeup tutorial.

You can watch my video tutorial here.

The color palette we're working with for the Cincinnati Bengals consists of orange, black, and white (you know, like a Bengal tiger 🐅).

I don't own a lot of orange makeup, I don't think it looks great with my skin tone, but I do have my trusty NYX Avant Pop Art Throb palette that has plenty of colorful eyeshadows to choose from.

If you don't have that palette, fear not, I have included eyeshadow dupes below 😉  

So without any further discussion let's get started with my Cincinnati Bengals makeup tutorial.

Put Your Game Face [Makeup] On

1. Eyelid Primer + Orange Eyeshadow: For a smooth canvas apply an eyeshadow primer all over eyes, from lid to brow bone.

The foundation of this look is vibrant orange eyeshadow. Blend the orange eyeshadow all over eyelid and a bit into the crease of the eye, rounding the shape as you pack on the color and blend as you go along.

Dupes for the NYX Avant Pop Art Throb orange shade:

ColourPop: Pressed Powder Shadow in Koi (Matte)

ColourPop: Pressed Powder Shadow in Tangerine Dreams (metallic)

2. Matte Black Shadow & a Small Flat Brush: Using a small flat eyeshadow brush trace a line through the crease of the eye starting by curving towards the inner eye and then slightly winging it out at the outer corner of the eye.

3. Liquid Liner + More Black Shadow + Pencil Liner: Run a thin line of liquid liner across the upper lash line and create a bit of a wing. We want a matte finish so take more of the black eyeshadow on an angled eyeliner brush and trace it over the liquid liner to build color intensity.  

On a small bent eyeliner brush add to the liner on the inner corners of the eyes, extending it out a bit for a feline effect. 

Line lower water line with a black eyeliner pencil. Then run more (you guessed it) black eyeshadow along the lower lash line and create a second wing slightly under the first one, leaving a little blank space of skin showing.

4. White Eyeshadow, Mascara and Contour & Highlight: Dust a pearly white eyeshadow onto the brow bone and in between the two shadow wings.

Coat top and bottom lashes with a black mascara so it will stand out against the orange shadow.

Add a subtle contour and highlighter; contour just under the cheek bones and highlight on top of them.

I used the white eyeshadow from NYX Avant Pop palette, a dupe for that shade:

ColourPop: Super Shock Shadow in Tassel 

5. Coral Blush & Orange Liquid Lipstick: An orange blush would be over kill, so use a coral pink one and dust it on to the apples of the cheeks. 

Trace a vivid orange liquid lipstick around the lip line and then carefully fill in the rest of lips with the same shade.  

Put all these steps together and we get...

Our finished Cincinnati Bengals inspired makeup look!

I didn't go too crazy with the tiger stripes because I wanted it to be more wearable and less costume makeup.

Between my camera battery dying, and last minute appointments it took me three tries to record this look. My eyes were beginning to water from all of the makeup removing 😆

Products I used for this Cincinnati Bengals makeup look:

Urban Decay: Eyeshadow Primer Potion

NYX: Avant Pop! Shadow Palette in Art Throb Collection

Slmissglam: N15 Eyeshadow Brush

MAC: Carbon Eyeshadow

LES Beauty: Felt Tip Precision Point Eyeliner in Black

Beau Gâchis: Eyebrow Brush

Sheer Cover: Angled Eyeliner Brush

Beautique: Defining Eye Pencil in Black

Costal Scents: Ipsy Pearl Limited Edition Medium Shadow Brush

Costal Scents: Ipsy Pearl Limited Edition Pencil Brush

Tarte: Double Duty Beauty™ Shape Tape™ Concealer in N12 Fair Neutral

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics: Smokey Eye Mascara in Black

NYX: Highlight & Contour Pro Palette

Beaute Basics: C405 Contour Blush Brush

Beau Gâchis: Illuminator (Highlighting Brush)

Too Faced: No Place Like Rome

Luxie Beauty: Rose Gold Blush Brush 514

NYX: Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in Orange County

Again, you can catch my Bengals video here

Thank you for checking out my post!

If you enjoyed reading it, why not subscribe so you will get my latest posts delivered directly to your inbox 📬

You also might like:

New England Patriots Makeup

Philadelphia Eagles Makeup

Carolina Panthers Makeup

Denver Broncos Makeup

Thank you again for reading!

XOXO

Ultima Beauty

Want more makeup fun between blog posts?  Check out my social media pages!

Follow me on Instagram
Follow me on Twitter

Follow me on Facebook 

Subscribe on YouTube