Do eyelashes come in size XL with Lancome Cils Booster XL?

Confession time!  My mom buys Lancome.  And Clinique, and other various department store makeup brands that I don't typically use.  Me being a curious person, sometimes I go into her bathroom and try her stuff out (I'm glad she doesn't read my blog regularly!  Although I'm pretty sure she wouldn't care too much, thankfully, lol!).  She was telling me awhile back how she bought Lancome's mascara primer and thought it was so-so; she was conned into buying it by the makeup artist working there but she thought she'd give it a try anyway.  I had to try it.  I love Lancome Definicils mascara (my mom's mascara of choice, which she gave me once when she thought she didn't like it, haha) so I was really hopefuly of the Cils Booster XL.  And hey, anything that has "XL" in the name makes me take a second look!
So how does it perform?

Lancome describes the Cils Booster XL as the following:

Give your lashes an XL boost. With just one sweep, this innovative mascara base glides on and evenly coats and smoothes your lashes to maximize the results of your favorite Lancôme mascara. The magic behind this mascara base is the conditioning formula—featuring micro-fibers and Vitamin E - to add extra length and thickness to your lashes for added visible performance to your mascara.

There's vitamins, micro-fibers, and magic in this mascara primer.  Sounds pretty amazing to me, haha.  But basically, it's supposed to lengthen and thicken your lashes with mascara on top.

The bristles on the wand are straight across, but the brush itself it large- I'd say about double in size comparing it to Lancome Definicils (which is a thin, straight brush).  The formula is white as you can ee from the pictures, and it makes your eyelashes white upon application.  This obviously goes away when you apply mascara!  

The micro-fibers in the formula help coat every lash, which is one of my favorite things about the formula.  I hate when mascaras feel like hey don't "catch" every lash, if that makes sense.  This grips onto your lashes and makes them look really long and thick.

You don't have to wait for it to dry to put on mascara, so I do one eye at a time- primer, then mascara right after (I tried letting it sit a few seconds originally, but it made my mascara clumpy.  Then I consulted a Lancome girl who told me to just apply mascara consecutively).  

You can see my pictures for a step-by-step:

1. is my eyelashes without primer or mascara

2. is one coat of Lancome Cils Booster XL

3. is one coat of Maybelline Volum' Express The Colossal mascara

4. is two coats of the same mascara

Now, comparing picture #4 to picture #1, my eyelashes without any product to using Cils Booster and mascara, it looks like it makes a huge difference.  And it does.  But I'm not really convinced it's worth the $22.00 price tag for an extra step in addition to mascara.

Here is a picture comparing my eyelashes with the Cils Booster & Maybelline The Colossal mascara (same mascara I used in the above comparison pictures), to my eyelashes wearing just the Maybelline The Colossal mascara without primer:

Left, same picture from above, 1 coat Cils Booster+2 coats mascara; Right, 2 coats Maybelline mascara

I know the angle is different so it might be a little hard to tell, but I don't see a huge difference in terms of length or thickness.  At least not enough to make it worth adding an extra step to your makeup routine.

For one more comparison, here is a picture with another mascara, L'Oreal Double Extend Illuminator; two coats:

This picture compared to the ones I showed with Cils Booster XL makes me think that it really doesn't do a whole lot.  The first time I tried Cils Booster I was convinced it was the best thing ever!  And then I used it a few more times, and started to see a very insignificant difference.

I should mention that I was blessed with decent lashes (well, at least after I use mascara, lol!), so I can't say how this will work for those of you with shorter, sparser eyelashes.  My mom has shorter lashes and she said she doesn't notice a huge difference, but she still likes to use it anyway (so that could mean she sees a little added length and definition).  I'm going to continue using this here and there to see if I experience any change, because I'm still not 100% convinced that it's a bad product.

Overall (finally!  This post seems like it's lasted forever!), I can't fully recommend this unless you like eyelash primers and find they typically work well for you.  In that case, I think it might work better for you than it did me.  I don't personally think it's worth $22.00, as I didn't experience much thickening and lengthening.  I would much rather spend an extra few dollars and just buy a good Lancome mascara! 

Thanks for reading, guys!  And happy father's day! :)

Emptying out... is this happening?

I'm home for summer from my first year of art school!  The last two days have been spent sleeping in until noon and thoroughly enjoying not having anything to do (for the time being, anyway).  Haha.  My boyfriend is here this week so we've been busy doing stuff, but I will definitely get back into blogging ASAP.  So excited! :)
I actually may have a few more things to add to this in the next few days.  For now, though, these are the products I've used up recently.  I don't know about you guys but for some reason I love reading these 'empties' types of posts on other blogs!

Pond's Classic cold cream- 

I've been using this all school year- since August I believe!  Can you believe I just ran out?  This has surprisingly become my favorite eye makeup remover.  There were a handful of days where I would try an oil-based liquid remover (like the Lancome one pictured above), but for the mass majority of the year this has lasted me. 

Repurchase?  Yes!  Between it's efficiency (removes makeup quickly and doesn't tug) and being cheap/long lasting, I'll definitely be using this from now on.

What I'm Using To Replace It:  A new jar that I just got yesterday! 

Lancome Bi-Facil eye makeup remover-

This came with a GWP that my mom got back over spring break, and she gave it to me.  I thought I'd give it a fair trial because I've heard decent things about it.  Personally, I found I needed a lot to get all my makeup off, and I had to tug at my eyelids at the same time.  

Repurchase?  No, it didn't work for me.

What I'm Using To Replace It:  Same as above, Pond's Classic cold cream

Nivea Express Hydration body lotion sample-

I got this with my Target Beauty bag sample pack.  I love the idea- that it's lightweight and absorbs quickly- but it didn't really moisturize for a long time.  Nice for a simple lotion but I'd rather try something else.

Repurchase?  No.

What I'm Using To Replace It:  Aveeno Daily Moisturizing lotion (favorite basic lotion)

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Daily Scrub-

I didn't totally clean this one out, but I found something else I like better (that my skin liked better, too!) so I haven't used it in a long time.  It was nice, but I think I'm done trying Neutrogena's skin care products (besides their oil-free moisturizer for sensitive skin- LOVE that).  They either break me out, or slightly irritate my skin.  This scrub was just a little too harsh for me.

Repurchase?  No.

What I'm Using To Replace It:  Aveeno Positively Radiant scrub (LOVE THIS.  Review in the near future!)

Mario Badescu Flower & Tonic mask sample-

I received this sample in my sample pack back in January but hadn't used it much until recently.  It's a thick, green mask that I used about once a week.  My skin feels so soft after using it, and I'm seriously considering buying it in a full size if I can't find a cheaper mask.

Repurchase?  Yes!

What I'm Using To Replace It:  Clinique Skin Calming Moisture mask (This was my sister's from years ago, I think it's discontinued but I'm not sure, I'm sorry!).

Bare Minerals Mineral Veil-

Ugh, I was so depressed when this ran out.  I didn't think my skin needed a powder, but this just makes my Bare Minerals foundation look so much smoother and glowy.  I love the radiance it gives my skin!

Repurchase?  Yes!  Unless I find a cheaper alternative.

What I'm Using To Replace It:  NYC Minerals Natural Veil (I think discontinued).

I've been doing some major spring-cleaning in terms of makeup/bath/body products lately, but that just means dumping stuff that I haven't used in awhile.  I always feel so accomplished when I actually finish something, haha.

What have you guys emptied recently?  

Favorites, finally! (As of recently)

I know I totally missed my March favorites post- I had every intention to do it (I've been able to try out quite a few new things recently compared to normal), and then time just escaped me.  However, I decided I could still do a favorites post even if it's not an official "monthly" one.  I hope that's OK with you all!  I'll still do an April favorites so I don't get off track.

Clockwise from upper left:
1. Lancome color design quad (filigree, kitten heel, click, the new black)-  My mom got this eyeshadow mini as part of a GWP and since she doesn't really wear eyeshadow, she gave it to me.  The colors are gorgeous!  I'm not a fan of The New Black (I have it in the full-sized version from years ago) as the glitter is chunky and the texture isn't smooth, but I'm in love with the peach, taupe, and gold.

2.  Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting blush in Natural-  I got this over spring break but started using it regularly just recently.  I'm not a huge fan of shimmer blushes, but the color is perfect- it has enough pink to still be peachy (without leaning too orange).

3.  Maybelline Fit Me foundation in 115 Ivory- I've been using this on and off for the last month, and it's what I turn to when I'm in need of a bit more coverage.  It's still on the lighter side of the spectrum, but being someone that really dislikes foundation, it gives me enough without feeling heavy.  It's also creamy and moisturizing on my dry skin.  I was actually a little surprised I was this light, but seeing as I haven't gone out much this winter my skin has lightened up a fair amount.

4.  ELF Studio contour brush- I'm loving this for more precise crease work.  I wrote my review of it which you can find here!

5.  Maybelline Lash Stiletto Voluptuous- This is the version with the curved brush.  I bought this to use for my friend's makeup in the film I worked on, and then I kept it for myself afterwards. ;)  I'm planning on writing a review of it in the near future, because I love the volume and length it gives.  I normally dislike Maybelline mascaras so I was a little surprised!

6.  NYC Smooch-proof 16-hour lip stain in Forever Mine Wine- This might go into holy grail status for me in terms of lip products.  I haven't tried many, but this one lasts literally all day and fades evenly.  The color is gorgeous, too- extremely flattering on my fair skin.  I'm planning a review on this one too.

Swatches:

 

Left to right: Lancome color design quad, Physicians Formula blush, NYC lip stain, Maybelline Fit Me foundation

Thanks for reading!  I also received my Sigma F80 flat top kabuki in the mail this week, so stay tuned for my review and giveaway. :)

Review/EOTD: Lancome Color Design eyeshadow quad

Happy Monday!  I'm finally "home" at my parent's house for Christmas break, and during a bout of boredom this evening I came across an old Lancome eyeshadow quad of mine.  I can't believe I don't use this more often- it definitely deserves better!  So, I decided to review it for you guys.  Apologies in advance- I'm not sure the exact name of it (It's a few years old).  The back of it only shows the colors/finishes, which I'll include for reference.

Lancome Color Design eyeshadow quad

What it is: A high-end eyeshadow quad from Lancome featuring golden browns.  I don't have many department store makeup products, so this is a rarity for me!  It was actually my mom's first, but she never used it so she gave it to me (She doesn't wear eyeshadow very much).

It includes the shades:

Latte- matte cream

Burnt Sand- shimmery gold

Guest List- metallic dark brown

Topaz Temptation- shimmery golden chocolate brown

Price: $42.00 (This is how much the current quads are going for, according to lancome.com) 

(Left to right: Latte, Burnt Sand, Guest List, Topaz Temptation)

Formula: The three shades, Burnt Sand, Guest List and Topaz Temptation have awesome pigmentation.  I only need to swipe my finger across them once to get the above swatch.  Unfortunately, the lighter Latte has terrible payoff.  I need to practically scrape the pan to get anything on my brush, and it requires several applications to show up on my skin (This could be partially due to the age of my palette, but I'm not sure since the other three are fine).  Other than Latte, the three shadows are really easy to blend and apply.  I love the wearability of the shades as well- they all compliment each other and the difference in finishes is really nice (matte, shimmer, metallic).

Wear/quality:  I don't usually have many problems with eyeshadows creasing on me (My lids tend to be normal-dry), and these are no exception.  I always use a primer underneath my eyeshadows so I can't say how they are without one, but I get all-day wear using a primer.  

I did a look with the palette as well so you can see how the colors go together-  I just love how they're neutrals, but the shimmers keep the look from being boring!

(I wore Latte as my highlight shade, Burnt Sand all over my lid and inner lower lash line, Topaz Temptation in my outer corner and outer lower lash line, and Guest List as a liner.)

The one thing I dislike about this quad, aside from Latte being so light, is the value.  The total amount in the quad is only 0.05z, which is the same size of one full-sized MAC eyeshadow.  I'm close to hitting pan on Topaz Temptation and I haven't even used it that much.  

The lovely Angelic Betrayal just commented and told me that it looks like my quad is probably a gift with purchase, so smaller than the full-sized one.  Thank you so much for letting me know!  This would explain why I've come so close to hitting pan on one of the shades.

Pros:

- Beautiful neutral colors

- Good pigmentation in 3/4 shades

- Blends easily and wears all day

Cons:

- Expensive

- Lightest shade has poor color payoff

Overall, I'd definitely recommend you try-before-you-buy.  I've never used any of Lancome's other eyeshadow quads, so I'm not sure if the quality varies between shades (I'm guessing it does).  At $42 it's not exactly something I'd pay for when one shadow isn't pigmented, although the other three are gorgeous.  If the shades are all beautiful and something I'd get a lot of use out of, I think I'd consider it.  

Do you guys own any eyeshadows from Lancome?  What are your thoughts?

EOTD: Soft Brown+Pink

OK, time for a real post now :)  Happy Friday!  I had to work this morning, but I got let off early.  It was a nice surprise, even though I would've taken the extra money.  Heh.

This is the eye look I wore today; I decided to go neutral with eyeshadow.  It's mostly Clinique products with one of my favorite mascaras: Lancome Definicils!  I didn't even have to curl my lashes, which is something I never go without doing.

I wore:

-Almay Bright Eyes eye base

-Clinique e/s duo in Seashell Pink/Fawn Satin 

-Clinique Quickliner for Eyes in Roast Coffee

-Lancome Definicils mascara in Deep Brown

And on my cheeks (You can see them in some pictures) I'm wearing Clinique powder blush in Aglow.  It's a super pretty nude peachy-pink with hints of gold shimmer.  Perfect for summer!

This is like one of THE most basic and simple eye makeup applications, I swear.  I just put the light e/s shade (Seashell Pink) all over my lid and up the my brow bone, then I sweeped the medium brown (Fawn Satin) into my crease.  I followed that with the eyeliner on my top lash line and the outer corners of my lower, and lastly applied mascara.  Voila!

I really like this for an everyday, soft eye.  I tend to pile on the mascara (This was only three coats, believe it or not), so that could be tamed a little, but otherwise it's quite versatile. 

(And I wore a bow in my hair today!  You can't beat steals from the Icing, haha)

Thanks for reading :)