Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer- goodbye under eye circles!

Reminder: Don't forget to enter my giveaway if you haven't already!  It ends June 30th.  Click here to do so! :)

After attempting to conceal my under eye circles using Garnier's Skin Renew roller, I was wondering if anything would do what I wanted it to.  I know the Garnier tinted roller works for a lot of you, but personally it wasn't cutting it for me (although I do love the cooling effect it has!).  So, my quest for a good under eye concealer continued- one that doesn't cake, doesn't settle into the lines under my eyes, and gives sufficient coverage.
I was so, so excited when I picked up the Maybelline Dream Mousse concealer, because guess how much I paid!?  It was $1 and some change, because it was marked down on clearance (at my local ShopKo- which I hate going to but they always put out the LE displays, strangely enough) to $2, and I had a $1 off coupon. Jackpot!  I've been wanting to try this concealer for the longest time and was hoping it would hold up well against my under eye circles.
I've heard it's discontinued and I'm so sorry about that!  I've seen it available at some of my local drugstores (what's left of stock anyway), and online at various websites.
.....it's not so bad!

Maybelline Dream Mousse concealer in Light 2-3.5

Note: Photo on left is the most color accurate

The shade leans very yellow, but I've found it's not noticeable with other face makeup.  I wasn't so sure if Light 2-3.5 would be my match, but usually I'm about the second or third shade in Maybelline so I thought it would be ok.  Turns out it worked!

The consistency is what I think draws most people in to these "mousse" products, and this one is exactly that.  It's an airy, almost whipped texture that feels lightweight when applied.  This also makes it easy to blend in.  Although it's a "mousse", it still feels soft to the touch, and you don't need much to cover an area.  

In terms of coverage, I've found this fully conceals my acne scars/redness and does a pretty good job on my blemishes.  I also like to conceal the redness around my nose, and this also excels in that area.  Like I said at the beginning of this review, I was really hoping it would multitask as an under eye concealer- I'm pleased with the amount it covers:

(Click to enlarge!)

1. is my normal eye, no makeup

2. is the Dream Mousse concealer dotted all along my under eye area

3. is the concealer blended out with my finger

4. is topped with a powder (using Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Correcting Pebbles)

I hope you can see how much of a difference it makes- at least I see a pretty substantial one!  I notice my eyes look refreshed and awake when I use this concealer, especially opposed to the Garnier tinted eye roller.  Not a huge difference, but just enough so I at least feel like the majority of the circles are concealed.  My under eye area is the main place I use this concealer now.

Onto the problems I have...

One, using this under my eyes it does slightly cake throughout the day.  It's not hugely noticeable and still doesn't settle into fine lines, but worth noting.  

When I use this on acne scars or just other areas of my face, I notice it disappears nearing the end of the day.  I've tried using different powders and foundation underneath it, and I've decided it just isn't long-lasting on my face.  I still haven't found this to be a problem under my eyes, though.

Lastly, it can be a bit drying especially for blemishes- if you have dry skin I'd beware.  For me as long as I steer clear of using it on my blemishes it doesn't bother me, but something to be careful about.

Pros:

- Provides good coverage

- Lightweight consistency

- Easy to apply/blend

- Doesn't settle into fine lines

Cons:

- Discontinued/hard to find in stores

- Doesn't last all day

- Can be drying

Do you guys own this?  Do you like/dislike it?  What are you using in terms of concealer?  I'd love to know. :)

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

May Favorites

 May Favorites: St. Ives Green Tea Cleanser, Plus White 5 Minute whitening gel, Annabelle Skin True Foundation, Maybelline One by One Mascara, Elizabeth Grant Biocollasis complex, e.l.f Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder, Rimmel Lasting Finish blush, Natural Bronzer.

I use St. Ives Green Tea cleanser everyday morning and night, and love it! I already can tell that my redness has gone down.

I started whitening my teeth for my wedding, even though I love using the crest white strips 30 mins is just to long, I rather do 5 mins and get the same results. I can only use it once every 2 days since my teeth are over sensitive (not from this product)

And of course my favorite foundation of all times Annabelle I'm gonna need to buy more soon almost out, I use it everyday and I love that you can control how much coverage you want.

This is the other items I use on my face pretty much everyday.

e.l.f bronzer in Luminance for my highlighter, gives you a nice glow. Rimmel Blush in pink rose, great for the summer months, it gives you a nice hint of pink. Then Rimmel Natural Bronzer in sun light, a nice bronzer without shimmer, I use it to contour my cheeks and neck and it's so natural that you can't even tell that I'm wearing it.

Maybelline one by one mascara I like to use this before I use a volume mascara, it separates each lash and makes them look fuller. I also love that it's my only waterproof mascara.
Elizabeth Grant Biocollasis complex I received this in my Luxe Box for May, I use it only in the morning and you only need two pumps and it does your whole face and neck. I don't even need a moisturizer after using this.

Month of May Haul

So I'm going to be posting one haul at the end of every month, instead of boring you the whole month with a few items. I will be doing reviews on everything so I won't be saying much about the products until I use them more.
Really the only time I buy items are if they are on sale, so most items I'm posting were on sale.

Hard Candy- Glamoflauge concealer
Maybelline- One by One Uolum Express Mascara
I bought them both at walmart

LA Coupe- Flexible fix hairspray, Frizz- Free Curl Shaping Mousse, Replenish masque intensive repair treatment.
Balea- Waterproof makeup remover, Purifying, Hydrating facial mask's
All of these were on sale.

Rimmel- Vinyl Gloss 180-No Regrets, 110-Keep a secret, Moisture renew 180-Vintage pink, 200-Latino
The Gloss was buy one get one free and the lipsticks were on sale.

So overall it was a very good month for a haul, I can't wait to give you a review for each one. Stay tuned for next month's haul.

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. :)

Maybelline Superstay 24-Hour lipcolor- Yes or No?

I was recently sent my Maybelline Superstay 24-hour lip color BzzKit through BzzAgent, a great site for getting to try out new products.  It was really exciting when I got an email inviting me to join this campaign, because it was my first beauty-related one (my first and only BzzCampaign prior to this was one for Orbit gum, which I did last summer).  It's taken me longer than expected to get this post up, but I'm finally getting around to it!

Before I begin, BzzAgent is really cool social marketing site.  You sign up, and the more you get involved with the site (filling out surveys, doing BzzCampaigns, etc.), the higher your "status" gets.  This lets you get "invited" to more BzzCampaigns, which are like trials for new products.  BzzCampaigns typically come with a few different variations on the product along with a guide and coupons.

The Maybelline Superstay 24-hour lip color BzzKit came with 4 lip colors in Forever Chestnut, Wear On Wildberry, Everlasting Wine, and Timeless Rose (pictured above and below, top to bottom)

Everlasting Wine

The lip colors feature a lip cream with a doe-foot applicator on one end, and a balm stick on the other.  You apply the lip color first, let it completely dry, and then apply the balm over the top.  

(left to right: Timeless Rose, Everlasting Wine, Wear On Wildberry, Forever Chestnut)

I have to just come out and say it- I can't make myself like these for one reason.  They dry out my lips to no end!  Literally after one day of wearing them, my lips get chapped to the point where it takes a couple of days of moisturizing them constantly to get back to normal.  I don't typically have problems with my lips drying out or chapping, so I noticed this immediately.
During my first trial, I wore Timeless Rose out to Panera with my mom (I thought testing it through a meal would be interesting!).  I let the color completely dry on my lips-which took about 3 or so minutes- and then "set" it with the balm.  No color came off on the balm this time.  I was really impressed with Timeless Rose; the color stuck to my lips even throughout the meal and only transferred the slightest bit onto my straw.  Two hours later when I got back to my room and checked the mirror, the color was still noticeable and there wasn't any weird splotchiness.
This wasn't so much the case with Everlasting Wine and Wear On Wildberry, however (I didn't try Forever Chestnut longer than a swatch just because I really shouldn't be seen in that kind of shade, lol!). They both didn't really dry on my lips, and when I'd apply the balm, the color would leave a mess over the balm stick.  I wore Everlasting Wine while acting for my friend's silent movie where I had to sip water, and the color transferred there, too.  The crew kept making jokes about my lipstick being all over the set lol!

Wear On Wildberry + balm on my lips

As far as application goes, these are really nice and easy to use- the doe foot applicator works well to get an even amount in the right place on your lips.  They are also nicely pigmented with color.

I did think the colors were really pretty, and when I wasn't eating/drinking they did last me a good 3-4 hours.  One thing to note, though, is that the colors apply on the darker side.  And according to the BzzGuide I received, the other colors in the range look to be dark as well. 

I should note that I do drink/eat fairly regularly throughout the day, so it's probably a good thing that I'm not a frequent wearer of lipstick.  I think if you typically go 3-4 hours between eating and are patient with letting these completely dry down, you shouldn't have the problems I did.

Pros:

-Pigmented, glossy color

-Combined with a balm stick to add moisture/shine

-Affordable ($9.99 at ULTA)

-Fade evenly

Cons:

-Drying to my lips

-Average lasting time

-Transfer when eating/drinking

-Not a wide range of shades (although there are a lot of them, from the looks of it!)

I really can't stand behind these because of how chapped they made my lips, unfortunately.  I wanted to love them!  I'm hoping that I can make them work for special occasions, and with a good moisturizing balm underneath.

Have you tried these new Maybelline lip colors?  

Disclaimer:  This post features products sent to me from BzzAgent, a social marketing website through which you can try out new products.  All opinions are 100% my own.  I am not affiliated with the company in any way.  

Comparison: Bare Minerals vs. Maybelline Mineral Power foundations

So, prior to using Bare Minerals I was using Maybelline's Mineral Power powder foundation (I've talked about it briefly here and here).  I really love that foundation- using it made me realize that I like mineral powder foundations so much more than liquids or creams.  It is SO easy to apply and I love the lighter feel of it.  Now, I do wish I could say I've tried more drugstore powder foundations, but I haven't.  I knew I liked Maybelline's so I kept returning to it.
Anyway, the transition to Bare Minerals was much-needed in my mind.  I wanted to try something new!  And after using this foundation for a few days, I decided I should compare it to my old favorite Maybelline Mineral Power.  Thus, I give you this post.  :)

Left: Maybelline Mineral Power foundation, Right: Bare Minerals foundation

Packaging: I'm no department store makeup "snob" whatsoever, so plastic packaging never bothered me.  I don't need it to feel luxurious if it works well.  The Maybelline container is definitely plastic and rather lightweight, but the sifter works well- I've never had a problem with too much product coming out.  Usually I lightly shake it (cap screwed on) a few times per application; it's enough for my entire face.  Switching to Bare Minerals, though, and I definitely see the difference in packaging.  The container is heavier/feels sturdier, and overall looks more expensive.  Still not a huge deal to me.  The cool part is in the sifter- there's a cover that "locks" into place over the holes so when you throw it in your bag or travel, foundation doesn't leak out of the compartment.  I really like this!

Price/quantity: The Maybelline foundation is about $8, while Bare Minerals normal-sized foundation is $25 on its own (this is for the original finish- the matte goes for $28).  They are the same size, 0.28oz, which lasts quite awhile.

Finish/coverage: I get more of a matte, medium coverage with the Maybelline foundation.  Despite it being quite matte, it does give my skin a nice "glow" that I really like (typically I wouldn't go for something matte).  It covers up my redness and acne spots that I don't really need concealer unless I have a bad pimple I want to hide.  I love this.  If I can eliminate one step of my face makeup routine, then I'm all for it!
The Bare Minerals original formula gives me a lighter, more glowy finish.  Definitely not matte, which I actually like.  I find that I probably do need some kind of concealer using this.  This week I've been lazy and just been dabbing the Bare Minerals concealer brush into the foundation and using this to cover my acne spots.  It works quite well, but it doesn't last throughout the day.  I'd definitely reach for my Maybelline Double Face Perfector concealer for something more long-wearing.

Colors: In the Maybelline Mineral Power foundation, I wear the shade "Light 2- Classic Ivory".  This is almost perfect for me no matter what season it is/how my skin tone changes.  I have "Fairly Medium" in the Bare Minerals original foundation.  It's perfect for me now since I'm lighter in the winter, so I'm curious to see if it still works in the spring once I go outside again.  I worry it'll be too light, but we'll see- I'm sure it will probably be fine.

I hope you can tell from this picture the difference in shades/finishes.  They are really, really close when comparing them in the jars.  When I swatch them, I notice that the Bare Minerals is a touch lighter and has more of a luminous finish than the Maybelline.  It also looks to have more pink undertones and feels lighter.

Wear quality: I get similar wear-time for both of these, and only start noticing them wearing away in the late afternoon/early evening.  I notice it on my chin/above my lips, where my acne scars are, which leads me to believe that I really just need a better concealer.  My cheeks/forehead area/rest of my face, where I have some redness and random spots, stay covered and even just fine.  Now, my sister says on her oilier skin, Bare Minerals starts to wear away during the afternoon and that's her only complaint.  I haven't experienced this yet.

Overall: These really aren't dupes for each other, because they have different finishes and coverages.  The similarities end at the colors and sizes.  But I think the Maybelline Mineral Power foundation is still a good alternative to other high-end mineral powder foundations if you're on a budget.  I'm really happy to have Bare Minerals, though- I think it's better suited for my skin-type and gives me more of a glow that I like.

Have you tried either of these?  Agree/disagree with what I've said?  I'd love to know! :)

I'm still alive! Things I'm loving lately

Hi everyone!  I cannot apologize enough for my lack of posting lately.  I've been so swept up with school and friends, and I also lost a lot of my interest in makeup/experimenting with it.  I think when other things comes up, it really takes a backseat to what's important.
When I went home for Thanksgiving, though, my spark was ignited (my problem then was that I forgot my camera)- I wanted to buy makeup and actually try out different looks again.  So I know when I'm home for Christmas break I'll get back into posting more frequently.  I have a solid five weeks of break starting the end of next week, so you can bet the anticipation is killing me!  I'm going to be really sad to leave school, though- I've found such amazing people here to call my friends.  It's a great feeling to have people who genuinely care about you, and it's been just what I needed.

With that said, this post is long overdue.  My makeup routine has changed drastically over the last month or so, getting simpler and simpler every day!  But I still have my favorites that I resort to when I'm lacking the ounce of creativity left in me.  ;)
First off, I want to start out with the skin care products I've been using the last couple of weeks.  My skin is pretty sensitive and runs on the dry side, depending on the weather- but growing up, I've never had a problem with acne/breakouts.  Ever since starting college this semester, however, my skin has broken out almost every week.  One pimple would clear up, and then another would form, all in my T-zone.  This was SO frustrating!  Mainly because I'm not used to having actual "breakout" areas.
Anyway, over Thanksgiving break I purchased both of the following products and I've been using them ever since- so, almost two weeks now.  My breakouts have almost completely cleared up and my skin feels like normal again.  Hallelujah!

Aveeno Positively Radiant moisturizer spf 15 and Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Daily Scrub.  

I think this Neutrogena cleanser is what has helped my skin.  I was using the Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Power-Cream Wash, but never noticed much of an improvement in breakouts.  This scrub, on the other hand, has exfoliating beads that are still gentle enough to use twice a day (which is recommended).  I follow this with the Aveeno moisturizer, and even though it has SPF, I use both day and night.  I just love it.  I'm thinking I may need something a little more moisturizing for colder days, though, so if anyone has any recommendations for that, I'm all ears!

Onto makeup, which is going to be short but sweet:

(Everything else I'm using on a daily basis right now I've mentioned countless times on here)

Maybelline Mineral Power powder foundation in Light 2-3- I think I've told you my obsession with this foundation before, but my laziness has made me obsessed again.  It's so easy to just buff onto my face and go.  After using this type of foundation, I honestly don't know if I'll ever be able to do liquid- it takes me so much more time/effort.  ;)  I'm curious as to how Bare Minerals works- if you've used it or have any recommendations, please let me know in the comments!  I'd love to hear.

Rimmel eyeliner in Black Gold- This is a gorgeous antique gold eyeliner that I've talked about before.  It doesn't stay in place the best, so I need to top it with some kind of powder, but the color is so pretty that I put up with it.  

Maybelline eyeshadow quad in Time For Wine- You all probably know my favorite eyeshadow color to wear is either champagnes or purples/berries.  I love using the two purples in this quad in my outer corner- so pretty!  I really don't recommend this palette for its quality.  The pigmentation isn't the best, (in fact, the other two colors hardly show up on me at all- see swatch), so if I want more color I use this:

Dark shimmery purple from my Coastal Scents 88 Matte palette- This is a really pretty eggplant purple that works well when I want a little more color.  It goes great with my green eyes!  I've also been using the matte black shadow from this same palette for lining my eyes, and a matte cream for highlight.

Swatches:

(L-R: Maybelline Time For Wine quad, Rimmel Black Gold eyeliner)

*I forgot to swatch the Coastal Scents shade, I'm sorry!

Lastly, this is the kind of eye look I've been doing pretty much daily the last few weeks.  So simple and neutral (Using the Maybelline eyeshadow quad and Rimmel eyeliner):

 (Please excuse my eyebrows...)

Thanks for reading, everyone!  And definitely expect more frequent posting to happen in a couple weeks.  Finals are full-speed ahead now!

<3

200th post (!) and swatches/EOTD

Guys, this is my 200th post and I have to make it a little sappy- I'm so stinking happy to have made it to 200!  Even though I blog and do all this stuff because I love it, it really helps to have such kind readers.  It keeps me motivated and buying makeup (Like when I'm at CVS and don't necessarily need anything but "it's for the BLOG!").  ;)
So I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you all who continue to support/encourage me by reading and following.  I appreciate every comment I get, every new follower I get, and so on.  I'm so honored to be a part of this amazing community of bloggers.

Now, the other half of this post I wanted to dedicate to the swatches for yesterday's "haul".  I would have done them yesterday as a part of that post, but my roommate was around and I just didn't get any time to myself.  This way I can also incorporate an EOTD, as well.  :)

Maybelline Time For Wine eyeshadow quad, Prestige Strong Slate Total Intensity eyeliner, NYX Milk JEP

Yesterday I mentioned that each of the Maybelline quads vary in terms of pigmentation.  Unfortunately, this is one that is very light and harder in consistency.  The colors are SO PRETTY which is where it kills me!  However, looking through my eyeshadow stash I found a Maybelline dupe of the 'outer corner' shade, which is the eyeshadow swatch on the far right (in the picture above).  If you remember the limited edition "Diamonds" collection earlier this summer, the eyeshadow duo in Amethyst Duo has a purple that is virtually the same, just softer in texture (and thus more pigmented).  I posted about that HERE.

Moving on...

A close-up of Strong Slate and Milk (unblended)

ULTA doesn't have testers for the majority of their eyeliners, and the packaging of these Prestige Total Intensity eyeliners makes it so you can't see the pencil tip.  I had no idea this was going to be a metallic-y sort of gray color, which was a little disappointing for me.  However, I do still love the formula and I don't have any other "slate" eyeliners.  I also plan on going back to repurchase another color, so I'll be looking up swatches!

Now onto my quick EOTD.  This was inspired by yesterday, actually, when I woke up late for class and had to run without any makeup on.  People told me countless times how tired I was.  Today, even though I got plenty of sleep, I decided to do a "brightening" eye look.  I began with it just neutral and ended up adding the purple to my outer v because it needed something extra.

This is using the Prestige liner, BTW.

I love how the white eyeshadow brightens up my eyes; I finally look awake!

What I used:

- VS Pro eyeshadow primer

- NYX JEP Milk

- NYX Champagne & Caviar palette, shimmery light taupe

- Wet 'n' Wild Greed palette, light shimmery grey

- NYX Ultra Pearl Mania eyeshadow White Pearl

- Prestige Total Intensity eyeliner Strong Slate

- Fresh Supernova mascara

Thanks for reading everyone- hope you're all having a nice night.  :)

Mini haul from ULTA (My favorite!)

I love doing haul posts, or just sharing with you guys new things I've recently purchased.  Today I made a little trip to ULTA to "treat" myself, yet again- I've done well not spending too much this month, so I thought I deserved this!  And I also had that $3.50/$10 purchase coupon they always have floating around. That combined with the deals they have going on this week and you can get a great deal!

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk (FINALLY!), Prestige Total Intensity eyeliner in Strong Slate, Maybelline eyeshadow quad in Time For Wine

After my last sub-par experience with Maybelline eyeshadows, you'd think I would have stayed away from this.  The colors were too pretty in person to pass up!  The eyeshadows aren't the softest, but after testing out several of these in the store, I found that it varies palette to palette.  The quad Enchanted Forest was MUCH smoother.  This one I can work, though.  

I've heard raves about these Prestige eyeliners for the longest time, but I hadn't looked close enough in ULTA to know they were there!  For $5.50 I figured I should just try it.  I got mine in Strong Slate, which is a metallic-y grey, and I just love it.  Smooth and doesn't rub away when I test it on my hand.

Lastly, this is the highly popular NYX JEP in the color Milk.  I used it under the Maybelline quad just a few minutes ago when trying out the shadows, and it really does help make them more vibrant.  I'm going to need to invest in a big pencil sharpener, but I'm glad I finally got this!

The Maybelline eyeshadow was on sale for 40% off, bringing it down to $3.47, the NYX JEP was also 40% off making it $2.51, and the Prestige eyeliner was regular priced at $5.50.  After my $3.50 off coupon, my total was only $8.76!

I'm definitely going back for more of those Prestige eyeliners- which other colors should I get?  

Review: Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliners

Now that I have two of these Maybelline Unstoppable eyeliners (I purchased Sapphire yesterday at Walgreens), I figured I should tell you guys what I think of them.  And Maybelline is also 40% off at Walgreens this week so it's the perfect time to try them if you've been wanting to yourself!  The first one I got (Jade) was one of those "on a whim" buys- it was on rollback at Walmart a few months ago and I decided to try it.  I've been pleasantly surprised by both colors I own!

(Top: Maybelline Unstoppable eyeliner in Sapphire, Bottom: Jade)

What it is:  From Maybelline.com- "Waterproof liner glides on to define your eyes effortlessly for ultra-smooth application."

Essentially this is a waterproof, smudge-proof, retractable eyeliner designed to stay put wherever you apply it.  Hence the name, "unstoppable!"

Price: Retail $6.99 at Walgreens, but are currently 40% off.

(Left: Sapphire, Right: Jade)

If you've noticed in my more recent reviews, I do eyeliners a little differently.  I include a section for "formula" and another for "wear/quality", because I feel like these are the two most important criteria for eyeliners.

Formula:  These aren't for anyone who requires a "creamy" eyeliner.  In comparison to my Mary Kay eyeliner they are harder, but warming them up on the back of my hand helps alleviate this issue.  I do wish they were creamier, however they don't tug on my eyelid.  

Wear/quality:  This is where these eyeliners excel, in my opinion.  I can apply one in the morning and have it last all night.  Today, for example, I took a shower in the evening and it even stayed through that.    And despite being "smudge-proof", you can still get that smudged look as long as you work quickly.  My favorite way to wear these is applying a thick line to my upper lashline, then smudging it out and then going along my bare lower lash line with the color left on the smudger.  I've never tried them on my waterline (I don't line my waterline), but on the upper and lower lashlines they really work well.

Swatches:

(Left: Sapphire, Right: Jade)

Swatch after lightly rubbing my finger back and forth:

(Sorry for the blurry-ness!  I didn't realize it until uploading the picture)

You can see that after rubbing my finger back and forth the swatches do lighten up a bit, but on my eyelid the color really stays put.  I also only waited about 20 seconds before doing the test.  They still maintain their brightness, though, and hardly smudge.

Here's a picture of a look I did yesterday using Sapphire:

(Click to enlarge)

Pros:

- Affordable and easily accessible

- 6 colors to choose from

- Long-lasting formula that you can work with

- Retractable liner (In my opinion this is a pro- you don't have to sharpen it like you do a standard pencil!)

Cons:

- Not very creamy, requires 'warming up'

Overall, I really love these.  I might have to pick up one in the color Pewter- I've been really wanting a grey eyeliner! 

What are your thoughts of these eyeliners?  Have you tried them? 

:)