Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara in Noir

Chanel Inimitable Intense Mascara in 10 Noir

Review- Maybelline One by One Mascara

Waterproof is blue and The regular is Red Wand

Why You'll Love It

Finally, bold volume without any of the bulk.
• Patented Lash Catcher  brush has 3 bristles per lash to make every lash count
• Catches, coats and de-clumps each lash to make them all fatter and flirtier
• Instant clump-free volume
• Contact lens safe and ophthalmologist-tested
• Washable, also available in Waterproof formula

I sorta have mixed feelings about this mascara, I really like mascara that looks 'clumpy full' while your still getting the volume. But this is great for people who don't like that look.
The brush is very different then others that I have tried. It's a full plastic bristle wand. It works great to get every single lash.
Below is before and after

Gotta love when they use false lashes to sell a mascara.

I feel like it gave great volume but I don't know they look so bare. The other thing I like about is it's my only waterproof mascara and the only reason why I bought it was to have natural waterproof lashes for my up coming wedding.

My Rating Scale 1-5 1-the worst 5- the best
Quality- 4
Packaging- 4.5
How long does it stay on- Until you wash it off, I didn't notice any flaking during the day
Would I buy it again- I don't think I would just cause I like the 'clumpy' look
Price- Around $5
Overall- It is a great mascara, it does get every lash which is great.
Where to buy- Drugstore, Department Store

CVS Clearance Haul

Woo hooo I love clearance, and spending money I HONESTLY do not have!

Oh well, deal with what happens tomorrow...tomorrow!

I just can't help myself when I see that 50-75% off sticker! It's heaven<3

Here's what I picked up!

-Almay "One Coat Dial Up" Blackest Black (Orig. $8.49)

PAID: $2.12

- Revlon Age Defying Foundation in Light Medium (Orig. $14.29)

PAID: $3.57

- L'Oreal Visible Lift Under Eye Concealer in Fair (Orig. $12.29)

PAID: $3.07

- Essie "Sand Tropez" (Orig. $8.29)

PAID: $4.15

- Wet n wild "Glitz" (Orig. $1.99)

PAID: $.99

- Wet n wild "Bird Bath" (Regular Price $1.99)

- Sally Hansen "Hi- Def 04" (Orig. $6.99)

PAID: $1.75

I spent about $18.60 for everything.

Review: L'Oreal Double Extend Eye Illuminator Mascara

L'Oreal Double Extend Eye Illuminator Mascara in Black Quartz (for brown eyes)

Price: MSRP $10.95

Claims: "Black mascara infused with a hint of color adds volume and length to lashes while intensifying eyes. The illuminating top coat infused with light-reflecting pearls highlights your eye color with our exclusive sphere tip brush. Clump-free & Flake and Smudge Resistant."

 

Review: I received this product to review for free through the social marketing site BzzAgent.

This mascara has two ends: a black mascara for volumizing and lengthening, and a top coat to highlight your eyes. The basic black mascara is nice, goes on easily with no clumping or mess. It lengthens but doesn't provide much volume, which is fine because I have a lot of lashes already.

Black mascara, one coat on top lashes only:

 

The top coat says it has "light-reflecting pearls" but it's really just copper-colored glitter. Not even finely ground subtle illuminating glitter, but big ol' chunks of the stuff. One application of the top coat leaves a large number of the glitter particles, which feel is a little over-the-top for daily use. I ended up using an eyelash comb to get some of the glitter off. Throughout the day, the glitter particles would catch light and I'd see weird flashes out of the corner of my eyes.

Top coat brush:

Mascara (top lashes only) with illuminating top coat (top and bottom lashes):

I don't feel like the glitter is subtle or illuminating to my eye color at all - it's just very obviously glitter. There's nothing wrong with glitter, but based on the claims, you'd think it would be more fine and subtle, not over-the-top sparkly. I think it would make a fun look for wearing out at night, but not something I'd wear very often, especially not to work.

All in all, it's a good overall mascara, and I like the idea of two looks in one. The mascara seems to hold the curl throughout the day, but I was disappointed to see a few black flakes on my cheeks at the end of the day the first time I used it. Since wearing it without the top coat, it hasn't flaked, so that might be the problem. I'll continue using it, but I don't see myself paying nearly $11 for this product when I have found other (cheaper) mascaras that I like better.

Overall rating: B-

Would purchase again? Probably not

While I Love My Make Up...

I love my dogs more...

Like the saddo I am, last night I ended up watching Legally Blonde 2 (absolute disaster of a film) on the television. This morning while doing my college essay I began thinking about today's post. Animal Testing. Anyone will tell you that I'm against wearing fur, but strangely animal testing in regards to cosmetic companies was never something I paid attention to. I would never buy a make up product knowing it was tested on animals - BUT - being the slight makeup snob that I am, I was under the insane and inaccurate belief that because the products I buy are more high end, no animal testing would be carried out to produce them.

Fail, Julie.

After doing a small amount of research on the subject (my poor college essay!), and watching some really disturbing videos about the treatment of animals being tested on, I thought I'd share with you some of the information I found out. There's little point in debating the pros and cons of it, as in my eyes its just wrong. Pixiwoo have a list of companies that don't test on animals in full here, and those that are safe include MAC, Nars, MUFE, Eyeko, Beauté, Laura Mercier, Urban Decay, Sleek, Estee Lauder and Illamasqua. Phew! Thank God, if they tested on animals most of my make up would be in the bin.

Those that are ambiguous in their animal cruelty policy include L'Oreal, D&G, Max Factor, Rimmel and Benefit. As much as I loved my Benefit foundation and was ready to repurchase, I definitely won't be doing so now. As for the others they've been removed from my make up drawer. For a list of all the companies that DO NOT test on animals click here. While I love make up and the little collection I have going on, not at the cost of an animals life. This time the price of beauty is too high.

Image courtesy of weheartit



What do you think about animal testing? Do you knowingly use products tested on animals?

Beauty Care Package

Since my Sister has moved to Canada, she sometimes sends me what I call "Beauty Care Packages". Being one of those lucky ones to have Sephora in the country, she chooses products she knows I'll like and that we can't get here in Ireland. A few days ago, much to my surprise a new package arrived.

And I am in love.

Blinc Tube Mascara

This new "tube" mascara is a new craze in America and hasn't quite reached Europe yet. Tube mascara doesn't coat the lashes, instead it forms water resistent tubes around the lashes. It is a lovely mascara, giving full and thick lashes, however when taking it off I nearly had a heart attack. The "tubes" fall off the lashes when removing, making it look like the lashes have fallen off. Of course, they haven't. I would put this mascara in the same league as Eyeko Big Eyes, as it creates beautifully long lashes but it is not as difficult to remove. The packaging is lovely, coming in a tube with the mascara inside. Love.

"Formerly known as Kiss Me, blinc is the original mascara invented to form tiny water-resistant "tubes" around your lashes rather than painting them like conventional mascaras. Once applied, these beauty tubes bind to your lashes and cannot run, smudge, clump, or flake, even if you cry or rub your eyes...blinc mascara will add volume and length to give you a radiant natural look that lasts all day. Only when you are ready for removal, the tubes will effortlessly slide off your lashes into your hand without the use of a harsh makeup remover."


If you like the look of this mascara, here's a link to the Blinc website.

Josie Maran Agran All Over Face Palette in Lovely:

This palette is an absolute beauty containing four perfect neutral colours. While I have worn this on my eyes for the past few days, it can also be used on the cheeks and lips too. Being creme colours, they blend beautifully and create a never natural glow wherever you decide to put them. The packaging is beautiful, slightly reminiscent of Laura Mercier's in shape and sleekness.

"The innovative formula contains natural, organic ingredients - no fragrances or parabens. What's more, the beauty extends to the packaging: each shade comes housed in Josie's state-of-the-art biodegradable compact."

After a few days use of this product, I have only found one problem with it. When used on the eyes it does crease, even if a paintpot or primer potion is used. I quite like the creased look so it doesn't really bother me, but if you don't this would be better on the cheeks and lips.

If you want to know more, here's the link to the Josie Maran site and the Sephora one.

Urban Decay Big Fatty Colored Mascara in Black Cherry

Urban Decay Big Fatty Colored Mascara in Electric Blue vs Flipside

Left: Flipside
Right: Electric Blue

Urban Decay Big Fatty Colored Mascara in Electric Blue

Oh, You Shouldn't Have..

These days after Christmas I find unbelievably tedious. The lead up to Christmas gets me all excited, but once it's over I become restless. With the snow here this year, this boredom has been even more prominent. However, I had a great Christmas and thought I'd quell my restlessness somewhat by doing a post on the gifts I received.

We don't believe in big presents in my family, but what I got makes me happy. I usually get money from my relations, and as I'm going to Paris in two weeks I need to save, save, save.

Liz Earle is my family's obsession and every year I get things from the range. This year I got the shampoo/conditioner set in a gorgeous box, a travel kit and their amazing toner from my parents.As I'm going away the mini set is prefect for me and the shampoo is amazing (they sent me a tester of it a while ago).




 The ultimate present they got me was Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair, which I've been wanting for ages. I've been slagged so much for wanting it, as I'm only nineteen but I love it..

Left: Liz Earle Shampoo and Conditioner Set.



Right: Liz Earle Toner and Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair.

Liz Earle Tester/Travel Set Containing: Muslin Cloth, Cleanse and Polish, Instant Boost Toner, Energising Body Wash and Gentle Face Exfoliator.

My sister has moved away, but sent us a parcel of presents. I got a Sephora Eyeshadow set and a mascara. The mascara is amazing, its patent black and has the face of a panther on top. Can't wait to use it!And lastly I got candles from my brother(in photo above, bless him) and a Nivea set from my cousin. Its in the design of a Christmas cracker and contains a mini body wash, body lotion, lip balm and moisturiser.

 

Did you have a lovely Christmas? What little gems did you receive?

Urban Decay Big Fatty Colored Mascara: Flipside and Indigo

Left: Flipside
Right: Indigo

Maybelline Full 'n Soft vs Eyeko Mascara

Eyeko Big Eyes has been a favourite mascara for a good while now. When I got Maybelline's Full 'n Soft Waterproof Mascara from winning Kellie's giveaway I decided to see if it could take my favourite's place.

L-R (Maybelline Full 'n Soft, Eyeko Big Eyes Mascara

While I'm a fan of both, there's still a favourite in my mind. I would wear them each for different purposes.

What they say: Maybelline's Full and Soft Waterproof Mascara This mascara builds full, soft thick lashes without the brittle feel.

• Prevents loss of lashes with patented Quick Dissolve System that allows easy mascara removal
• No clumps, no globs
• Contact lens safe and hypoallergenic
  
• Washable; also available in waterproof formula

What they say: Eyeko Big Eyes Mascara

Long & luscious lashes in 1 easy squeeze.

Transforms lashes in the twinkle of an eye! Lash friendly formual combining natural oils and silicones with added Panthenol (Vitamin B).
Designed to prevent dryness, premature breakage and to promote lash growth. The brush has widely dispersed bristles for evenly coated perfectly separated long lashes.

L-R Eyeko Big Eyes (see how full they look?), Maybelline Full 'n Soft

What I say:

I would consider Maybelline Full 'n Soft to be the more natural of the two, the classic daytime look; it feels like "lashes" while Eyeko, although not hard, buy if applied too thickly can have that "spindle-effect". You can't apply more than one coat of Eyeko, as your lashes become slightly brittle.

Maybelline Full 'n Soft has a larger brush and therefore I find it harder to coat the inner smaller lashes, whereas the Eyeko mascara is perfect at this. I prefer smaller wands as I feel I have more control and can get into those hard-to-reach places. DiorShow was a nightmare! One swipe and you're ready to go! With the Maybelline mascara you need to build up the coats to achieve anything near what you get with Eyeko.

Maybelline Full 'n Soft
(its a nice wand that doesn't get clumpy!)

Eyeko Big Eyes
(looks a bit like a screwdriver but it somehow works!)

Maybelline doesn't have the va-voom factor that Eyeko does at all. Its a very sedate mascara, while Eyeko is probably more of a night-time one.

Feck it, wear it during the day too, you've nothing to lose! Eyeko wins!

Review: L'Oreal Extra Volume Collagen mascara

It occurred to me the other day that I haven't done a review of the mascara I've been using- L'Oreal Extra Volume Collagen.  I purchased this awhile ago but was finishing up my L'Oreal Bare Naturale mascara, so I was able to let this one "thicken up" a bit before using it.  Now this is my daily mascara- you've seen it in my recent EOTDs and looks.

L'Oreal Extra Volume Collagen mascara in Black

What it claims: (From lorealparisusa.com:)

Made with hydra-collagen, it enhances the thickness of your lashes for up to 12X more impact without any clumps.  Our patented brush is 50% bigger so it builds that incredible volume fast.  Your lashes will build extra body and extra impact in just one sweep.

 So, this is basically a thickening/volumizing mascara.

Price: $8.99 at Walgreens (0.34oz)

Brush:  The brush is big, and as you can see it's not the typical "fat" kind that come with many mascaras.  It curves inwards in the middle and then tapers to a point at the end.  I don't know what this does to help thicken/volumize my lashes any, but it's fairly easy to use/get used to.  Although I would caution anyone with particularly small eyes because of the size of the brush.

Quality/performance:  Having used this for a few months now, I really like the drama it gives me.  It "gets them up there" in terms of length, and does a good job thickening/adding volume as well.  I'm surprised at the length part especially since this isn't a "lengthening" mascara.

Throughout the day, my curl holds very well.  I don't notice any flaking/smudging after a day's wear, and it's easy to take off with makeup remover.  

I definitely should stress that this gives me drama- for lack of a better word!  I wouldn't call this a natural daytime mascara at all.  The effect is dark, look-at-me lashes, not "fluttery" or neutral.

In terms of clumps, as long as you don't pile this one you won't run into problems.  I've found I even prefer just one coat for daytime, and then another for night.  

Naked lashes, curled:

One coat of Extra Volume Collagen:

Two coats:

Overall, I'd definitely repurchase this if I didn't feel the need to try something different every time.  My next mascara is actually going to be something that will (hopefully) give me more natural-looking lashes- like the effect I got with my L'Oreal Bare Naturale.  I loved that one!  Sadly, it ran out on me before I got around to doing a review, but it gave me awesome, fluttery lashes that didn't scream "MASCARA".

Pros:

- Affordable, easily available

- Dark, thick lashes

- Gives good length

- Great for dramatic or nighttime looks, and daytime too if you're like me and love dramatic lashes all the time!

- Doesn't flake or smudge, easy to remove

Cons:

- Doesn't give you natural-looking lashes

Have you tried this mascara?  What'd you think of it?  Or, what mascara are you currently using?  Any recommendations for a good natural mascara?

Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara: Blue & Plum

From left: Bad Gal Blue, Bad Gal Plum

Eyeko Mascara Review

I bought the Eyeko Tube Mascara about ten days ago and thought I'd share my views with you. First off, its a frickin' squeezy tube, how mad is that?! I'd heard only good things about it, that you only needed one coat of it to get amazing and full lashes, so was eager to try it out.

What they say:

"Long & luscious lashes in 1 easy squeeze.Transforms lashes in the twinkle of an eye! Lash friendly formual combining natural oils and silicones with added Panthenol (Vitamin B).Designed to prevent dryness, premature breakage and to promote lash growth. The brush has widely dispersed bristles for evenly coated perfectly separated long lashes."

What I say:

I was a bit skeptical at first, as was my sister, because its in a squeezy tube (I still marvel at this!), which strikes me that there's a lot less product there and that it may dry out quicker than a normal mascara. I haven't had any problems with it so far and I absolutely love it! I usually use brown mascara, but this only comes in black so I decided to chance it.

The first day I used it, I lightly coated my eyelashes with the wand and was met with instant va-va voom voluminous, massive lashes. I was literally blown away by how different and "open" my eyes looked, and had to run down to my sister to tell her (who immediately decided to order some, typical!). In work I had no less than four people ask me if I was wearing fake eyelashes, and one who works with me has ordered a tube since.

As far as their claim that the mascara promotes lash growth, until I've used it for a while I can't really say. Not sure I believe a mascara can do that, but I'll keep using it and keep you updated!

Now, obviously, this product isn't with its downside, but so far I've only found one. Removing it. Its quite difficult to remove, and you really have to scrub to get it off. Other mascaras I have used are removed much more easily, but don't give anywhere near the same payoff. I'm literally in love. The Eyeko mascara is priced at £8/10euro, and the company ship free to the UK and Europe. Result.

Eyes With And Without Mascara

With Flash

Left (no mascara) Right (Eyeko Mascara)

Without Flash

You get the picture anyway. I'm in love with this product and would love to try more Eyeko stuff. Has anyone else tried this mascara or any Eyeko products?