What is it? Dior's DiorShow is a "cult-followed mascara that leaves lashes ultra thick, long, and curled.DiorShow Mascara is Dior's original, must-have mascara that delivers ultra-glam, catwalk-length lashes. Makeup artists all over the world use this product to create the longest, thickest, curviest lashes ever." Available at department stores and Sephora for $24.
What did you think? This may come as a surprise, but I do not like to spend a ton of money on beauty products. I also don't buy as many beauty products as you might think. However, there are times when I like to splurge and get something expensive and wonderful for myself...and when those times come, I tend to gravitate towards certain brands. Dior is one of those brands.
This is not a surprise to regular Kiss and Makeup readers, but I love, love, love mascara. It's my absolute favorite beauty product. A good mascara can make your lashes longer, thicker, and can accentuate the shape of your eye. I've used a million different brands--from the super cheap to the super expensive--and I must say: DiorShow has a spot in my top five all time mascaras.
DiorShow has a nice, fat brush that makes lashes thicker and longer with only one swipe. I use black mascara which makes my lashes super dark and really makes my eyes pop. Using a good eyelash curler and a decent eyelash comb along with DiorShow results in my eyes looking bigger. My lashes look made up, but not over done. And when it comes to mascara, there's a fine line between looking "done" and looking "over done."
The final verdict? $24 is a lot to spend on mascara, but I don't regret this purchase. DiorShow is a pleasure to use and it gives me the results I want. If you want to pamper yourself with a higher-end product, check this one out!
Beauty Product of the Week: DiorShow Mascara
The Eyes Have It At Sephora
I feel like I am in an eye rut. I always tend to wear shade of brown shadow, though I'll eventually get crazy and try out a gray or purple hue. I almost always use a deep brown eyeliner (that's probably a little too old to be considered hygienic....yes, even beauty bloggers have bad habits), and black mascara. I need to break out of my boring routine!
I was just at Sephora over the weekend and left without anything for my eyes. But if I had made finding a new look for my eyes a priority, there are plenty of options at our favorite beauty mecca. Here are some bright-eyed options from Sephora:
Kat Von D High Voltage Eye Primer ($15) – Use this lightweight, non-greasy eye primer to keep your colorful lids fresh all day long.
Sephora Collection Eyelash Curler ($16) – Make your eyes pop with this pinch-proof eyelash curler that gently and comfortably give your lashes a dramatic curl.
Sephora Colorful Mono Eyeshadow ($12) – Color your lids with these high-pigment paraben-free shadows that deliver intense, long-lasting results! Available in 25 rich new shades.
tokidoki Perfetto Eyeliner ($16) – This waterproof, liquid, quick-drying liner pen with a unique, innovative chisel tip makes for an easy, precise application every time! Available in eight bold shades.
Tarina Tarantino Fleur De Lash Mascara ($19) – A long-lasting formula that dramatically thickens and lengthens lashes for a seductively long look.
This Product Surprised Me!
I get a lot of products to try out...it's one of the hazards of being a beauty blogger! And I recently received a bunch of products from mark (a division of Avon). The products they sent over are double-sided multi-taskers called mini mark it sticks: on one end is a lip pencil , on the other side is eye color. The idea is that you can mix and match and make your own combination of colors.
Using a pencil on your eyes is nothing new, so that side of the mini stick didn't surprise me in any way. The lip pencil, however, I instantly dismissed. At first look, I thought--well, I would never use that. I don't use a lip pencil because I am not a big fan of that dark lined lip look. But then I looked at the lip pencil and realized it is meant to be used to color the entire lip. That intrigued me, but also concerned me. Would it make my lips too dry? Would the color go on nicely?
So with a level of trepidation, I swiped the Plummy Pearl pencil over my lips. And to my surprise, the color went on smoothly. My lips weren't cakey, they weren't dry....they felt shockingly slick. And even more surprising was that the pencil color produced a bit of shimmer. The Plummy Pearl reminded me--at least a little bit--of Clinique's Black Honey. And for a fraction of the price.
So there! My initial impression was meh!, but on final inspection, I don't think mark's mini mark it sticks are a bad product whatsoever. This product proved me wrong...and I'm glad for that!
The New Gold Standard
After years of dominating the world of eyelash curlers, Shu Uemura recently pulled out of the US market. Their products will still be available online, but you'll no longer be able to pick them up in person. To me, this isn't a big deal. I never bought into the cult of the Shu Uemura curler and in fact found the cheap-o Revlon curler to be just as effective as the pricey "iconic" Shu Uemura offering (click here for an old post about this!).
But now, one of my favorite toolmakers, Tweezerman, is entering into the eyelash curling fray with their Tweezerman Pro-Curl Curler.
According to their product info, the Pro-Curl Curler is designed to exceed the standards and performance of any other curler on the market today. Reworked angles create excellent access to each lash like never before—allowing for effortless use and maximum curl. ProCurl's sleek body shape, with a larger opening, is tailored for exceptional comfort and unparalleled leverage. A narrowed top bar adapts to all types of eye shapes, and a thick, rounded silicone pad ensures intense, crease-free curl. You're sure to flip over this fringe-enhancing tool in its new uber-glam, rose gold color.
I've been using this curler for the past few days, and here are my thoughts thus far:
- unlike other curlers, this one does not pinch at all...which is a good thing!
- this curler seems to do a better job of curling my outer lashes--you know...the ones in the corner that can be tough to get.
- the curler is easy to use and doesn't require a lot of effort to get a decent amount of curl. I don't have to put too much pressure on the curler, and it doesn't tug quite as much as the Revlon or Shu Uemura curler.
Spring: Love It or Hate It?
We're smack in the middle of spring, and I don't know about you, but for me, spring means sneezing, watery eyes, and the constant battle with allergies. Pollen is not my friend! It's coating my car and making me cranky.
No matter how many doses of Flonase or Claritin, I still have issues with itchy eyes. Add to that hours in front of the computer screen at work, and by the end of the day my eyes are tired. To help get my baby blues feeling better, I've been known to use eye drops for allergy eyes or to lie down with a wet washcloth over my face.
I recently tried something new....something better: Eye Slices. These suckers are made of something called Cryogel, and you store them in the fridge so they're nice and cold when you're ready to use them. You simply pull them out of the fridge, slap a slice over each eye, and sit back and relax for five minutes. The Eye Slices are designed to help de-puff, refresh, and renew your eyes. They sure make my irritated, tired, itchy eyes feel much better after a long day.
Eye Slices are available online, for $15 for a pair (one pair will last for 10 uses). Check 'em out!
Cosmetique's Not Just for Skin Care (GIVEAWAY!)
Last week I introduced you to Cosmetique. They're a site that sells exclusive skin care and beauty products. And, last week, I highlighted some of those skin care products.
Well, this week it's all about the beauty, baby!
Check out some of these lovely products sold by Cosmetique. Leave me a comment at the end of this post and all of these items could be yours. Yes, I'm giving them all away to one lucky reader (and they'll come to you in a cute makeup bag to boot)!
Ok...on to the goods:
Princess Livia Define and Shine Lipcolor (in pink cloud): a magical pairing of genuine beauty. Define your lips with the Lip Pencil … it applies smoothly and effortlessly. Then add colorful shine with the Lip Gloss. It always feels wonderful and glides on easily … leaving lips shiny and moist.
Madeleine Mono Special Effects Face Powder: add a lit-from-within glow with Special Effects Face Powder. This unique luminizing finishing powder helps to diminish the look of imperfections and add a subtle, wearable sunlit radiance to your skin. Swirl all of the shades together with the included brush, or enhance your skin one shade at a time. They all work with every skin tone, and will have you glowing in no time!
Sistina Cafe Colori Eyeshadows: inspired by the beauty of Italy, five sophisticated neutral eyeshadows are featured in this beautiful, one-of-a-kind compact that is a true work of art.
Be sure to leave a comment to enter and I'll announce who wins next Wednesday.
Hippety Hoppity...
Apparently Easter is this weekend. I say apparently because I never seem to remember when Easter pops up on the calendar. I only know that I keep seeing plastic eggs and crazy bunnies in all the stores I've been going to lately.
If you're like me, you'd rather skip the Easter egg hunt and opt instead to fill up your own brand of basket--a Sephora basket--with some Spring-inspired goodies. Bunny-hop to Sephora and treat yourself to these wonders:
- Sephora by OPI in Iris I Was Thinner ($9) – This pale, iris purple is the perfect way to wear an Easter pastel without spending a fortune. I really hate the name of this shade, but it's pretty, so I'll give it a temporary pass.
- Leslie Blodgett Santa Barbara Eau de Parfum Rollerball ($16) –This luminous scent lingers on the skin for hours and the travel-friendly packaging makes it great for a quick pick-me-up on the go!
- Sephora Colorful Mono Eyeshadows ($12) – Let your peepers make a festive statement with these high-pigment shadows. Now available in 79 shades.
- Tarina Tarantino Gem Gloss ($19) – Coat your lips with this sweet shade of lightweight vitamin-enriched gloss. Available in 12 shades.
- Sephora “Tricks of the Trade” Perfecting Lash Primer ($14) – Your mascara will outlast your biggest expectations with this primer that helps volumize and lengthen your lashes.
- Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Blush ($25) – This cream blush naturally sculpts and highlights cheeks for a healthy, spring glow. Available in 14 shades.
Get Your Glam On!
The Oscars were a little over a week ago, but I still love seeing all the glamorous dresses and hair/makeup from Hollywood's big night. But glam isn't just for celebrities, and looking amazing doesn't have to cost you a fortune. Here are some hints to achieving the hottest looks at home, with the help of e.l.f. products. The tips come from Achelle Dunaway, Creative Director and Makeup Artist using their the wildly popular “everything’s a dollar” e.l.f. cosmetics line.
Bold, Colorful Lips – Hot pink, coral and dynamite red are ideal colors to sport with a sheer fairer-skinned face and are the equally perfect complement to a stunningly structured white gown – all the rage at the Emmys and SAG Awards. “I can see Kate Hudson, Diane Kruger and Carey Mulligan nailing this look,” says Dunaway.
PRODUCT PICKS: Mineral Lipstick in Cool Coral ($1), Studio Lip Stain in First Date ($3) or Studio Minty Lipgloss in New York City ($3)
Soft Smoky Eyes – “The smoky eye has been replaced with a refreshed, softer look,” says Dunaway. “Pretty plums and radiant browns will bring the right amount of balance for those who will wear their hair in long, Lauren Bacall-inspired styles.” Think Sandra Bullock and Penelope Cruz.
PRODUCT PICKS: e.l.f. Eyeshadow Duo in Berry Mix ($1) or e.l.f. Brightening Eye Shadow in Luxe ($1)
Golden Skin – Nothing screams red-carpet-gorgeous more than a soft, all-over Fergie-esque tan. “The key is keeping it only one or two shades deeper than actual skin-tone,” explains Dunaway. “Anyone wearing a daring, skin revealing dress needs a little warmth.”
PRODUCT PICKS: Mineral Glow ($8)
Peachy Cheeks – Peach tones work perfectly on all ages and skin tones. It’s a subtle look, but enhances cheek-bone structure beautifully. “Peachy tones will work on Anna Kendrick and Meryl Streep alike,” says Dunaway.
PRODUCT PICKS: Studio Blush in Peachy Keen ($3)
Radiant Hollywood Glow – There is nothing a shimmer highlighter can’t do. “All of the leading ladies will have soft shimmer effects enhancing their best facial and body parts.” This is a must-do.
PRODUCT PICKS: Studio Shimmer Palette ($3) or e.l.f. All Over Color Stick ($1)
All e.l.f. products are available online and can also be found at Target.
Kiss Me, I'm Irish (sorta...)
Tomorrow's St. Patrick's Day--the day when we dress up in green, drink green beer, and the day when we're all a little Irish.
Like your favorite bars, Sephora is also catching green fever. Sephora searched high and low to bring you beauty bounty that’ll have you looking so good there will be no need for luck. So stop by Sephora this St. Patrick’s Day and sample it all from glossy pink lips to luminous skin and bright shadows.
Stand out from the crowd with these spring trends:
- LUMINOUS SKIN! Sephora Collection Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer ($21) – Get glowing skin with this lightweight blend that is made for all-day wear.
- BOLD LIDS! Tarina Tarantino Eyedream Hypershadow ($19) –These bold, high-intensity shadows in matte, shimmer or glitter pigments will get you noticed.
- GREEN NAILS! Sephora by O.P.I. Leaf Him At The Altar ($9) – One coat of this glimmer green and you’ll have the St. Patty’s Day color code covered!
- GLOSSY PINK LIPS! Tarina Tarantino Gem Gloss in Pom Pom ($19) – Pucker up your pink lips by adding high impact shine to your look with this moisturizing gloss.
- LIGHT FRAGRANCES! Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries Santa Barbara ($55) – The second addition to Leslie’s new perfume line is light and fresh, perfect for transitioning in to warmer weather.
- WATERCOLOR EYES! Tarte Flower Child Natural Eyeshadow Palette ($44) – Let your eyes do the talking by making a playful statement with this multiple color palette.
- BRAIDS! Sephora Collection Thick Braidie Headband ($10) – You don’t have to be a hair stylist to wear the trend, just add this stylish headband to your wardrobe! Available in blonde, medium brown, dark brown, and black.
The Thrill Is Gone...
It happens to the best of us, but lately I've noticed that a few of my favorite beauty products--my old faithfuls--have let me down a bit. Here are my top three "I'm not feeling it anymore" products:
Great Lash by Maybelline. Say it ain't so! Once my favorite inexpensive mascara on the market, Great Lash seems sorta ho-hum to me now. I am not exactly sure what's happened, but the last time I cracked open a tube, it seemed too clumpy and a bit, well, cheap. I've been a big fan of Great Lash for years and I do plan to give them a chance at redemption, but for now, I'm going to find something else.
Lip Venom by DuWop. I was a Lip Venom addict, especially when it first came out. I liked the cinnamon-y bite of the lip plumper, and I also liked the way it made my lips shine. Now? It seems like Lip Venom has lost it's bite. It seems to fade away too quickly in my opinion. Plus I was really unimpressed with their Lip Venom V, the plumper with color that tied in with Twilight.
Bare Minerals by Bare Essentials. I am not sure why, but I have fallen out of love with this mineral foundation. Maybe they've saturated the market too much? Maybe I'm just ready for a change? Whatever the case may be, I'm going to search for something new once my current foundation is used up.
Have you been let down by a much loved beauty product? Leave me a comment and tell me about it!
And...don't forget to become a fan of Kiss and Makeup on Facebook!
Sephora's Winning Lineup!
The Super Bowl may have come and gone, but Sephora still has top beauty brands’ MVP and Rookie must-haves. Proven all-stars show off in the MVP category – but don’t let the rookies fool you. They have some cool new moves that will make you want to change your game plan. 
Sephora’s 2010 MVP Roster:
- Dior DiorShow Mascara ($24) – A cult-classic that leaves lashes thick, long and curled, making it Sephora’s MVP – most valuable product, that is!
- Philosophy Hope In A Jar ($38) – No games played here, this long-loved moisturizer provides soft, healthy and glowing results.
- NARS Blush in Orgasm ($25) – A five-year-long Sephora winner, this beauty editors’ favorite is a universally flattering shade of pinky-peach.
- Kinerase Intensive Eye Cream ($62) – A “lineman” of wrinkle fighting cream that works to minimize flaws and maximize the tone and texture around your eye area.
- Marc Jacobs Daisy Gift Set ($84 Value, $65) – This set has the spirit of a playful innocence with its fresh and feminine kick. Perfect for the tomboy in you.
Sephora’s 2010 Rookie Lineup: - Dior DiorShow Extase Mascara ($28) – Plump up your lashes, inside and out! With built-in treatment benefits and twisted wand layers for strong, high-impact lashes, it’s hard to believe this mascara is new to the game!
- Philosophy Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Moisturizer ($55) – New to the team, but packing a punch, this age-fighting hydrator will balance, nourish and soften your skin.
- NARS Orgasm Illuminator ($29) – Joining the NARS Orgasm family in a must have, an illuminator! Get an instantly refreshed, radiant and glowing look with a new twist of the brand’s most beloved shade.
- Kinerase Restructure Firming Eye Cream ($55) – A rookie formula with the results of a seasoned veteran, this revolutionary elastin-strengthening, firming hydrator will lift and smooth!
- Marc Jacobs Lola Gift Set ($70, $107 Value!) – Treat yourself to this trophy-worthy trio! With a spray, lotion and gel, your skin will smell sweet and sexy.
Add Some Sparkle This Holiday Season (Giveaway!)
During the holiday season, we have so many social events to attend and we always want to look our best. Now, just in time for the holidays, IMAN Cosmetics Luxury Liquid Eyeliner changes everything you know about eyewear! Now your eyes will pop like the perfect accessory to your favorite ensemble. Inspired by the finely faceted look of Swarovski Crystals, the liquid eyeliner is enriched with Vitamin E and enhanced with sparkling gem-toned micro-pigments. The result is a glamorous stroke of eye defining color with the glimmer of fine metals and precious jewels.
The Luxury Liquid Eyeliner is available at Target for $10.99 and comes in four sparkly shades:
- Onyx: A glimmering black
- Platinum: A sparkling silver
- Sapphire: A rich gem-toned blue
- Copper: A warm molten earth tone
Since it's the holiday season and I'm in a giving spirit, I'm giving away one lucky reader a paid of liners (one in copper, one in onyx). To enter, just leave a comment here and be sure I have a way to contact you. Sorry, this is available to readers in the US only. I'll pick a winner next Monday (December 21st). Good luck!
Beauty Product of the Week: Lashlight
What is it? Lashlight mascara by Too Faced is "an innovative mascara formula containing millions of microscopic mirrors that bounce light off lashes for a super-glossy, jet-black finish with an exclusive light up wand to spotlight each lash for the most precise application possible.
Lashlight is formulated to thicken, lengthen, and condition while coating lashes with the glossiest of jet-black finishes to make eyes look brighter, whiter, and camera ready. A combination of Panthenol and Vitamins C and E keep lashes healthy and Red Algae increases Keratin resistance for maximum lash flexibility. The patented formula contains millions of microscopic mirrors that bounce light off lashes for the deepest, jet-black finish that lasts all day." Available at Sephora and department stores for $25.
What do you think? I normally love Too Faced products. Their eyeshadows are ah-mazing and worth every penny. They also tend to have really fun box sets that make for great gifts. So I was excited to try this mascara.
The light is bright and lets you see your lashes pretty well. I don't know that it helped me apply the mascara in any way, but I guess the thinking is "more light, better application." The actual mascara itself made my lashes look very black. I don't know if that resulted in brighter eyes, but it did help make my lashes more noticeable.
The mascara did not clump at all, which is a bonus. It also made my lashes longer, but it didn't make them any thicker.
The final verdict? This product is a bit gimmicky. The light is ok; the mascara is ok. All in all, everything about this mascara is just ok. Not great. Not bad. Just sort of "meh." For $25, you can find a better mascara.
Disclosure: A press sample was received.
Beauty Product of the Week: Fantasy Lengths
What did you think? I gave a set to my sister's friend and co-work (they're science nerds who work at a blood center) and asked her to send me a review. Here's what Lindsey had to say about this product:
As far as my lash critique credentials are concerned -I want to be fantastically better with them- I have purchased a few pairs of those Halloween fantasy lashes, that never worked. A few of the old school Ardell brand full eye lashes and of course a MAC lash extension.
So far the MAC lashes have been my favorite, as well as the DUO glue that they come with. I dabbled with the 1/3 lash, which is the tiny 1/4inch lash that fits at the outer edge of the lash to give you more of the almond bedroom eye... and love the result! But no one would ever know that I had them on.
The same goes for the Revlon lashes...other than getting them to stick to my inner eye all day (due to my eyelids getting shiny), which i just pinch back into place throughout the day I think they are quite fab. The glue dries quick and the lashes even feel light and not bristly like some of the fluffy dense lashes can be.
SO! In my weakened morning state I opened the package, probably the most difficult step in this whole process, and of course read the awkward directions. The directions say to put the glue on the back of your hand and then use a q-tip to apply the glue to the lashes.... um, no thanks.
I started with my right eye. At first I put a dollop of glue on the plastic package and ran the lash through it after a few seconds of drying time. This method worked and the lash went on very nicely. For the second lash I went old school and applied the glue directly to the lash from the itty bitty tiny glue nub they gave you. I also blew on the lash to speed the drying process - this glue does dry rather quick which was a plus. I am not sure if it was my application method or, my awkward lack of skill but, the first lash (glue to the container and lash drug through it) stayed on much better all day. The right hand lash I also placed more towards my inner eye and maybe that was why it stuck better?
I took note of how my lashes looked ahead of time... long but not impressive. I put some of my BareEssential Big tease on my real lashes - just to layer pigment on them so i could see them better before i started... applied the lashes and was rather impressed with just the initial result. They looked like my lashes just longer and with many more of them sprouting out of my lids. After that i then used my MAC fluidline eye pot in blacktrack and lining brush to go over the lash line and combine my real lashes with the base of the the fakies. It would have been a pretty doe eyes day if i stopped there but because i have very severe issues with mascara and LOVE LOVE it i had to be bad and then at the base wiggled in some MAC zoom fast black lash and dabbed at the outer tips with the tip of the brush to add a lil extra va-va-voom. STILL I look like I just have amazingly long and pretty lashes that I was naturally blessed with.
I likey - but I'm wondering just how long this glue nub will end up lasting me before it dries out or leaks from the not so tight lid.
The final verdict? Overall I am impressed with what Revlon has offered up. And, if I could easily find a way to get both eyes on quickly and not be frustrated with the process every morning i would convert and maybe ease of the mascara wand. I'm sure that the cost is lower than that of MAC or other brands I would find at Sephora and that if need be i could find Revlon a coupon to help with cost.
Thanks, Lindsey for the great review! Sounds like the Revlon lashes are a great alternative for more expensive ones. Nice budget saver!
Don't Forget to Enter!
It's your last chance to enter, so do it now! I'm giving away two sets of fake lashes from Revlon (plus a little extra something-something to my winners). Click here to enter!
I'll be posting a review of these babies tomorrow (thanks to my sister's friend, Lindsey) but here's a peek: She loved them and you're going to want to make sure you enter.
Do it now!
Fake It With Revlon!
Just a few weeks ago I was researching fake eyelashes in response to a question from a reader. As luck would have it, I found out that Revlon has recently put out several new false eyelashes, available in drugstores. And even better, they sent over a few sets for me to try.
I'm having a friend of my sister test a set and I'll be getting a report back from her soon. But in the meantime, let me tell you a little bit about what Revlon has to offer. There are several styles of glue-on eyelashes available for those who prefer to use glue. For those who want something a little easier to apply, Revlon’s self-adhesive eyelashes are perfect! They require no messy glue, are very easy to apply, and are latex-free, which means they’re gentle on the eyes. Styles range from natural to glamorous, so you can choose the eyelash that completes the look you’re going for. What's even better is that they'll only set you back about $5.50.
But wait! Do YOU want to try out Revlon's Fantasy Lengths lashes? Well, now's your chance to do so for free! Leave me a comment (be sure to include a way for me to get a hold of you!) and two lucky readers will get a set of lashes to try out. Good luck! Please be sure to enter by next Wednesday, November 11th. Winners will be announced on November 12th.
Disclosure: Press samples were provided and will be offered up for the contest.
elf-ish Beauty
Yes, the economy remains crappy. We're all painfully aware of that fact. Even though "they" are saying the recession is over, consumers are still feeling anxious and have yet to return to the carefree spending days of not-so-long ago. Even if you're like me and you're gainfully employed, I have little doubt that you're always looking for ways to save money. But you still want to be beautiful, and that's where e.l.f products come in hand.
While I'm still a MAC virgin (can you even believe that?!), I've finally tried a few e.l.f. (eyes lip face) products. And I must say, for $1 for their basic products to $3 for the studio and mineral lines, they're not too shabby!
Their blush is nicely packaged (somewhat reminiscent of NARS packaging) and the color is rich and flattering. Their lipgloss made my lips feel refreshed and moisturized while providing just enough color and shine.
Now, I know that super cheap cosmetics sound somewhat scary--almost too good to be true. For me, it brings up memories of Wet & Wild products from the drugstore. Others think that $1 beauty products are probably full of toxic chemicals and test on animals.
So I did a little research.
First off, e.l.f. does not test its products on animals, nor do they use products derived from animals. They're PETA approved!
I went a step further and checked out e.l.f. at the Environmental Working Group's handy-dandy cosmetic safety database, and it looks like the ingredients used by e.l.f. are no better or worse than some of the spendier brands. Here's an overall comparison from the Environmental Working Group (1 = good; 10= bad):
- MAC Cosmetics: products range between 2 and 9
- Bare Escentuals: products range between 1 and 6
- Philosophy: products range between 1 and 9
- NARS: products range between 2 and 10
- Cover Girl: products range between 2 and 10
- Revlon: products range between 1 and 10
- e.l.f.: products range between 1 and 7
Disclosure: Press samples were provided.
Know How to Fake It!
One of my Twitter friends recently asked me the best way to wear false eyelashes, and I was stumped. See, I wear glasses....all the time. I hate contacts and really do prefer being a 4-eyed kind of girl. I'll admit it: I love my glasses!
I love the look of fake lashes done well. They look dramatic and fun. But to me, it seems silly to spend time and money on fake lashes since I am just going to hide them under my specs. Fake lashes have been all the rage for a few years now, and if you're looking to embrace your flirty inner diva (or if you're just getting your Halloween costume in order), here are some hints that will help you fake it to perfection:
- Pick your weapon! Do you want a very full eyelash? Or do you just want to add a few falsies in with your natural lashes for a more subtle sense of glam? Do you want your lashes to be black? Neon green? Pink, with feathers? All sorts of options are out there, and all the variations will greatly affect your final look.
- Prepare your beauties! Before you apply your fake lashes, take a moment to make sure they're not clumped together (you may want to gently separate your store-bought beauties with a lash comb). Now's also a good time to trim your fake lashes with a nice sharp pair of scissors if necessary.
- Prepare yourself! Curl your real lashes and give them a good go-through with the lash comb. If you want, you can now apply some waterproof mascara to your real lashes to thicken them up a bit. Also: if you haven't done so already, get yourself in front of a really good mirror (magnifying mirrors are best for this) and into some excellent lighting. You're going to need to see all the details around your eyes really well to get your falsies on right.
- Attach your lashes! Follow the directions that come with your fake lashes, especially since you're going to be working with glue and the such. Apply the glue to the base of the fake lashes and wait a minute or two for it to set. Then carefully apply your fake lash as close to the base of your natural lash line as is humanly possible. TAKE YOUR TIME! And try not to get yourself all worked up if you don't get it right the first time. You may want to have a pair of tweezers or a toothpick on hand to help make final adjustments. And using the blunt end of your tweezers may help you get the fake lashes to conform to your lash line. Just be careful not to apply to much pressure. If you're just adding clumps of fake lashes, apply them to the outer corners of your eyes for a really fun, old-school sexy look. You'll really need a toothpick/tweezers/steady hand to get the clumps in the right spot.
- Assess your work! Now's the time to apply the rest of your eye makeup. You may want/need to apply some more mascara to your real lashes and the fake ones. Just be very careful when you do this. You don't want to snag your falsies with your mascara wand and rip 'em off after all your hard work. While your mascara-coated lashes are wet, you can also sort of squeeze your real and fake lashes together to better unify the two. Make sure your lash glue is not visible. If you can still see a bead or two of glue, you can use eyeliner to hide it.
Beauty Product of the Week: Double Extend Beauty Tubes
What is it? L'Oreal's Double Extend Beauty Tubes Extension Effect Mascara is "a revolutionary lash extension effect mascara that provides up to 80% longer-looking, nourished lashes. Step 1 - Nourish & Protect Step 2 - Tubes extend lashes Step 3 - Remove with just water Tube Benefits: Clump-free length, Smudge-proof, Flake-proof, Longwearing hold, Ophthalmologist and allergy tested, Suitable on sensitive eyes & for contact lens wearers." Available at drugstores and big box stores for about $11.00
What did you think? I am not a big L'Oreal user. In fact, I only ever use L'Oreal hair products. After seeing one too many ads for L'Oreal's lash extending "tubes," I thought I'd give their mascara a try.
Guess what? I am not impressed. First, for best results, the mascara requires a two-step application process. I hate that. The white base coat of mascara doesn't seem to do much to warrant an extra step in my makeup process. It just goes on and leaves my lashes white. Yippee. Then the coat of mascara goes on top. My lashes did look longer but not any thicker (I hate that you have to pick between length and thickness...I want both--and yes, that was a rather inappropriate but fitting double entendre!).
The real downside to this mascara is in the removal process. Since the mascara uses "tubes" to lengthen lashes, said tubes tend to flake, especially when I'm washing my face. I have to really make sure I take care to remove all my mascara, otherwise I get stuck with weird black mascara flakes on my cheeks, around my eyes, etc. Messy...and not cool.
Final verdict? There are better mascaras on the market, and sadly, this is just another dud. I feel like I've been in a string of blah mascaras lately. And since mascara is, in my opinion, one of the most important beauty products on the market, that's not acceptable. So yeah--if YOU have a killer mascara I have to try out, please, please, please leave me a comment! Thanks.
Do You Show Your Age?
Stress, diet, exercise, sun exposure, genetics, and bad habits take their toll on us in many ways. No one wants to look older, but it's not always easy to take care of your skin or to know what effect your current bad habits may have on the overall aging process.
I don't know about you, but I love taking online quizzes. Now, get an idea of how you're aging, Women's Health magazine has put together a quick test that will tell you how old your skin looks. Click here to take the test.
Regardless of your score, the Women's Health editors have put together a book called Age Erasers for Women (available for sale here) that contains tips galore on how to not look (or feel!) your age.
Here are some highlights on how to care for your eyes that we can all benefit from:
Dark Circles
- To Repair: Scientists are targeting raccoon eyes with high-tech toning and tightening ingredients which prevent stray blood cells from leaking out of under-eye vessels. Try SkinMedica TNS Illuminating Eye Cream, with NouriCel-MD.
- To Prevent: Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, can mask circles by thickening the thin skin under eyes making it less transparent. For prevention of dark circles, we recommend Jan Marini Factor-A Eyes for Dark Circles.
- To Repair: Researchers have found that peptides stimulate collagen production, boosting in skin firmness forces fluids out from under eyes. We recommend Kinerase Under Eye Rescue to repair puffiness.
- To Prevent: Skin-care brand Vichy conducted a study of 41 women who used their Vichy Oligo 25 Eyes Anti-Fatigue Cooling Effect Stick and found that it reduced the appearance of under eye bags by 25 percent. Try it!
- To Repair: Scientists have found that amino acids can block the nerve signals that cause muscles to contract working similarly to Botox. Try Freeze 24-1 Anti-Aging Eye Serum or Dermadoctor Immobile Lines for your crow’s feet troubles.
- To Prevent: A powerful antioxidant called idebenone gobbles up cell-damaging free radicals to keep wrinkles from forming. We recommend BeingTrue Anti-Aging I-Lift Eye Countour Concentrate or Prevage Eye Anti-Aging Moisturizing Treatment
