Brand Spotlight 2014 - Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara

We are going back to the Brand Spotlight today and I have been enjoying testing out all kinds of new products for this series.  Today we are looking at the Smokey Eye Mascara from Bobbi Brown, everyone knows that I love to try new mascaras.  I am sure that I will trying new versions from all different brands in the coming months and will be adding quite a few new formulas to my list of favorites.  I have always seen Bobbi Brown mascara formulas recommended in Allure magazine and I have been wanting to try one for quite a few months now.  I decided to visit the Bobbi Brown counter for my mascara purchase in order to make sure that I could see and choose from every single formula.  I have found that my Sephora doesn't have all of the products in the Bobbi Brown brand and I have to visit the counter for the best selection.

Bobbi Brown is well known for having a mascara to suit every single need and makeup look.  The company's website has a "Mascara Finder" and I took this quiz before visiting the counter.  I have always preferred volumizing mascara formulas and the quiz decided that I should try the best-selling Smokey Eye Mascara.  This is actually one of the formulas that I was the most interested in from the beginning so I was more than happy to head to the counter and pick up a tube of this.  The makeup artist working at the counter assured me that I had made a great choice and this Smokey Eye is a favorite formula of hers.

"The perfect complement to a smokey eye look, this kohl-pigmented mascara delivers high drama by creating extremely black, stretched-out lashes in an instant.  Plus, the long-wearing formula holds its own against flaking, smudging, sweat, and humidity.  Builds volume lash by lash as opposed to traditional volumizing formulas that create the appearance of volume by clumping lashes together.  Plus, a thicker brush base evenly combs through eyelashes from roots to ends, while a tapered tip grabs those small, hard-to-reach lashes.", states the Bobbi Brown website.

This mascara is only available in a black shade and this is one of the most pigmented black shades that I have used.  I prefer volumizing formulas over lengthening formulas and my mascara formulas tend to be wetter and then cause clumpy lashes.  I am used to this type of formula so I was a bit disappointed when I first worked with this formula and it didn't instantly volumize my lashes.  I had to get used to building this formula up a bit more than I would with the Too Faced Better Than Sex formula but the extra effort turned out to be worth it.  Many traditional volumizing mascara formulas tend to work in one coat but then the second coat will then start clumping up (until the formula begins to dry out with usage).  The first coat of this formula will provide natural-looking volume and definition and then the second coat is needed to build up the volume.  The second coat doesn't clump up like many other formulas do but it takes slightly longer to apply and perfect.

I feel that Smokey Lash Mascara is one of the "updated" volumizing mascara formulas.  Brands have been alternating traditional volumizing formulas with ones that can be used to create natural-looking volume but can be built up to create much more volume.  One coat of this product works very well for work but then a second coat can be applied to build up the look for going out at night.  I have also found that this is one of the few volumizing formulas that can be used successfully over a primer.

This is my first Bobbi Brown mascara and I am very impressed with this formula, I will be purchasing more tubes of this product and then trying even more formulas from this brand.  I think my next Bobbi Brown product to review will be another eye makeup product before I start moving onto other categories.

photo courtesy of Bobbi Brown

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

I have been shopping like crazy at Sephora the past few months and I have been earning Beauty Insider points just as quickly.  I typically prefer to save my points up and spend them wisely on the 500 Point sets however I was very excited to see that one of the newest mascara formulas from Too Faced was offered as one of the 100 Point Rewards and I snapped it up on my last order.  It is rare that I open a product the second that my package arrives and start using it the next day but this mascara formula was rumored to be the among the top rated formulas for creating huge, beautiful lashes.  My last few mascara purchases did not give me the big, thick lashes that I usually crave and I wanted to find another formula that would.

I can't remember if I have ever used a mascara from Too Faced before, there is a very good chance that this is my first mascara formula from this company and I don't have much background with this type of product from Too Faced.  The Better Than Sex Mascara is a fabulous formula and I would completely satisfied if this was the only formula that Too Faced ever offered...

The Sephora website states, "An intensely black, volumizing mascara with an hourglass-shaped brush that separates, coats, and curls each lash to voluptuous perfection.  Inspired by the curves of a woman’s body, the hourglass-shaped brush was designed with extra stiff bristles to maximize the performance of this carbon black, collagen-fueled formula. One coat and lashes are full and defined. Two coats and lashes are even more luscious, curled, and dramatic. Three coats help you achieve the most intense, black, multidimensional lashes possible.  Better Than Sex mascara contains a film-forming polymer for smudge-proof, all day wear and unique peptides for the deepest, intense black possible."

The first aspect of this mascara that caught my eye was the unique shape and size of the wand, the past few formulas that I have used have been applied with small to medium-sized wands that were completely straight.  The brush reminded me of many of the more volumizing formulas that I have loved in the past and it made me very excited.  Thicker wands tend to take a bit of getting used to however I have used them enough times that it was very easy to pick it up again.  One of the keys to using a thicker wand is to make sure that your eyes are fully open when applying the mascara so it can be applied easily to the lash.

One coat of this formula is enough for the day and then I like to add a second coat for going out at night.  I have not needed to add a third coat yet as two coats give me the thick, full lashes that I love.  Better Than Sex holds a curl very well in the lash and it keeps the shape for about eight hours.  My lashes remain nicely defined with use of this product, I have had next to no issues with clumping during both application and wear.  My lashes remained soft with one coat of this product however the addition of the second coat had a bit of a tacky feel.  Overall, this formula from Too Faced is wonderful for those love very volumized lashes.

This mascara formula is very similar to Buxom Lash and the formulas from Benefit.  Better Than Sex is definitely going to be one of my Holy Grail mascaras and I will be picking up another tube of this product very soon.  I can't find any drawbacks to this product I love every aspect of it.  This is a formula for those who love high volume lashes and can work well with a more complex mascara wand, I wouldn't consider this a formula for beginners or ladies that like a more natural lash look.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes Mascara

My newest Glossybox just crossed my doorstep the other day and I could not have been more excited to see it arrive this time around!  I tend to start Goggling the boxes about a week before I am scheduled to get them and then begin checking all the products out well in advance of actually trying them.  I was really excited with this month's box because I saw that it contained a full sized Tarte mascara that I actually wanted to try for some time now.  The best part about this for me is that I am actually getting low on my current tube and haven't gotten around to hitting up Sephora with all the chaos of this semester so far.  This box is just perfect timing for me!

The last time that I used a Tarte mascara was when I purchased the True Blood palette and I remember liking the product but I don't remember what the formula was.  Mascara is not one of the products that Tarte is famous for but I have loved nearly everything else that I have ever used from this line so I am open to trying out their range of formulas.

The description on the Sephora website is better than the one on the Glossybox product card and I will provide that one.  "An amped up, ultra-black mascara that lengthens, curls and magnifies lashes for an intensified look, while instantly increasing lash volume by up to 752 percent. Powered by tarte’s proprietary triple black complex, this long-wearing, vitamin-infused formula emphasizes length and volume while conditioning lashes for a dramatic look that won’t dry out, flake, or budge. The custom-engineered, dual-molded brush boosts even the skinniest lashes for an exaggerated, voluminous look. First, the shorter, denser side of the brush delivers the optimal amount of mascara to volumize and coat each lash perfectly. Then the longer, firmer side lengthens and separates for maximum volume without clumping."

More details are provided on this formula from Sephora.  "Provitamin B5, a vitamin B derivative, helps treat and thicken the appearance of lashes, while beeswax forms a protective barrier between the skin and the environment that supports natural collagen production, and mineral pigments soothe and soften lashes. This product is formulated without mineral oil, sodium lauryl sulfates, and gluten. It is ophthalmologist tested and proven to increase lash volume by up to 752 percent."

How can a mascara get lash volume up by 752%?!  I would actually think that was a typo if it wasn't in both the product description and the explanation around the benefits of this formula.  I would love to see how this company even got that number for their research and experimentation since I have been trying to quantify it without successful results.  I am just going to move on from this fact and review the actual formula and how the product performed...

Lights, Camera, Flashes is considered to be a lengthening and volumizing formula that helps to hold curl in the lashes.  It performs nicely in all three areas but is definitely not on par with Benefit's They're Real! or Buxom Lash, I would place it more in the category with Clinique's High Impact Mascara.  One coat delivers a growth to volume and lengthen, two coats are needed for a more dramatic look.  This is one formula that could easily be worn during the day or night based on how the application is done, I am beginning to like formulas like this more and more since I can control the look based on how I decide to apply them. 

If I had to decide, I would say this formula was better at lengthening and holding the curl in the lash than creating really think lashes.  I loved how well it held the curl and opened up my eyes, this is the best aspect of the formula and the one feature that sets it apart rom most others on the market.  It is traditional black shade, nothing special in this regard and it is not offered in any other shades at this time. 

Removal is easy with an eye makeup remover when one coat is used, two coats makes it is bit more difficult and I usually can't get it all off when I take my makeup off at night.  I did find this formula to have some issues with flaking off during the day and this was the worst aspect of the product. 

I liked this formula and am glad that it was in my Glossybox to try out.  I don't know that I would repurchase it again since there are so many other formulas for me to try and I already have a bunch of favorite formulas in my collection.  This is a good, solid lengthening formula that adds a nice amount of volume when two coats are used.  This is good day to night formula but it will not give the huge lashes that I crave.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara

I have been finishing up the last of my summer makeup and getting ready to pull all of my new products for fall out.  One of the first products that I wanted to try out was the newest mascara formula that I ordered from Sephora, I decided to return to Smashbox mascaras even though I haven't used any formula from them in quite a long time.  The last one that I used from this company was Bionic and that must have been about five years ago, I have been using other products from the company but not the eye makeup.  I have been using MAC and Urban Decay mascaras recently and wanted to try a different company this time around. 

Everyone that has read this blog for the past few years know that I love mascaras that build volume in my lashes and make them appear "fake".  Some of the best formulas are from Dior, Benefit, and Buxom and I am hoping to add a formula from Smashbox to my very short list of favorites.  Full Exposure is one of best rated mascaras on Sephora so I decided to go with this formula and see how well it compares with many of the others on the market.

I ordered the product from the Sephora website and I am pulling the product description and benefits from the same place.  "A volumizing and lengthening mascara.  Inspired by Smashbox's on-set technique of layering fiber mascara over volumizing mascara for the biggest, longest lashes on camera, Full Exposure Mascara creates a 104% increase in lash volume for scene-stealing lashes at every angle without smudging, clumping, or flaking.  This formula contains the natural properties of olive oil to keep lashes silky soft. A combination of synthetic and natural waxes creates softer and flexible coverage and keeps lashes from becoming brittle."

This is a nice mascara formula but it isn't anything special.  I tried this product out using one coat and then using two coats, there isn't much different between the two methods of usage but I do recommend the two coat application for the most increase in lash volume.  One coat will give enough volume to enhance lashes in a professional environment or for a casual lunch but two coats are needed for more drama.  This product is not one that will rival formulas like Diorshow or Buxom Lash but will provide a nice amount of definition and volume to the lashes.  The formula was also quite effective in the claim that it will not clump or flake during application and wear.  I had no problems with clumping even when using multiple coats and it had minimal flaking during normal wear.

I ordered this mascara in the only shade that it is available in, Jet Black.  This shade is a deep creamy black that I can make work with every makeup look.  With how dark this formula is, I was naturally afraid of what removal might be like at the end of the day.  However, one of my favorite aspects of this mascara is that is removes quite easily and I am not left with black marks underneath my eyes when I am trying to get it off .  This is a quite a plus for the formula and would make me likely to purchase it again.

I have decided that I am going to need at least two formulas of mascara in my collection at any time, I need one formula for major volume and then another formula that I can wear during the day for a professional, pulled together makeup look.  This is one of the mascaras that falls into the latter category (as are most of the ones that I have tried over the years) and this formula is worth the repurchase.  It is a simple volumizing formula that stays out once I put it on, lasts without flaking off on my cheeks, and then is easy to remove at the end of the day.  Overall a good quality formula from Smashbox but not one that will create mind blowing volume.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Urban Decay Lush Lash Mascara

After looking at the fall collection from Urban Decay earlier this week, I headed over to Sephora to rekindle my love of this company.   I wasn't able to get all the products that I wanted yet, some hadn't come in every shade and some were already sold out.  My first attempted shopping trip of the new fall collection was a bust but I did pick up a new item from this company.  Last month, I wrote about the 100% Pure Fruit Pigment Mascara that I was using and how it just wasn't doing it for me in both appearance and performance.  I can now add to that review...it also seemed to try dry up in the tube much faster than most brands of mascaras (maybe a difference in the natural ingredients that are not found in other formulas) and I needed a new tube faster than I thought I would.  My tubes last about two and a half to three months for me and that formula gave up very soon after two months.

I have used a formula from Urban Decay before (the original Big Fatty) and I hated it...even before the tube broke after only having it for several weeks.  Urban Decay has now done away with that formula and has introduced a new series of mascara formulas and I was drawn to this counter after getting excited over the fall collection.  One of the formulas that was available is the Lush Lash formula and this is the one that I decided to purchase and try out.  I wanted a solid volumizing and lengthening formula and this one's description sounds like it will be one that will do the trick.

I bought this product at Sephora and it is also available on their website, I searched for it on the Urban Decay website but I didn't see it on there.  So Sephora it is for this product...  "A thickening and lengthening mascara formulated to help lashes actually grow longer.  This nourishing, thickening, and lengthening mascara is infused with peptides and moisturizing panthenol that allows your lashes to grow for a longer period of time. Its formula builds and beautifies so your lashes will grow longer and fuller over time. Used in conjunction with Urban Decay's Lush Lash System (Growth Accelerating Serum and Conditioning Mask), it provides additional lash nourishment. This very enduring formula is not technically waterproof, but there was zero smudging or running after road-testing it in a hot yoga class. The outer component features a lush swirl motif, and the large hourglass-shaped brush provides generous mascara distribution. It's the ideal mascara for anyone who suffers from brittle, fragile lashes, as well as those with great lashes who want to build and strengthen them even more."

I have been using this formula for four days now and I can already state that this is a much better formula that the previous one that I used from Urban Decay and better than the one from 100% Pure that I just threw away.  I like how this formula has nourishing and hydrating ingredients along with ingredients that will deliver the lengthen and volume that I require in a good mascara.  This formula is best for lengthening, it is one o the best formulas that I have used in that aspect.  The volumizing aspect is good but not the best that I have used , the formula is passable and works well enough for me to like this formula. 

The formula lengthens my lashes very nicely without clumping and this formula is never sticky or tacky.  Lush Lash enhances the volume of my lashes about double (against when I am not wearing anything at all) while still enhancing the definition of each individual lash.  It stated in the description that the formula is not considered to be "waterproof" but does perform in extreme conditions.  This formula has worn through many work outs for me (even the one when the air conditioning died the one morning) and I have not seen any running or smearing from this product.  This is a great formula for the summer months, it wears well in extreme weather and would be great for outdoor activities.  The wear on this product is above my expectations and I would recommend for anyone who is active when the weather is warm.

I wear one coat of this product for day and two for night.  One coat is enough to see a difference in the length and volume of my lashes. two really builds them up and this look is best reserved for going out at night.  Two coats would be too much for most professional environments or classes.

The mascara removes relatively well, a cotton ball with eye makeup remover gets about 80% of the product off and then the washcloth in the shower will clean the rest of it up.  This is one of the better formulas for clean removal and it performs much better in this aspect than the original Big Fatty formula from this company. 

Overall, this is a good quality mascara that works well for both lengthening and volumizing.  I have not seen any of the long term benefits and I personally believe that they will come more with the use of the full Lush Lash system and not just the mascara.  I doubt that I will see much of a difference in my bare lashes in the next four weeks but I will report back if I do.  This formula is the best in the warm weather months, it stays put in extreme workouts and temperatures and this aspect would be wasted in the winter months.

photo courtesy of Sephora

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Mascara

I used to use 100% Pure several years ago when Bath and Body Works carried outside brands at select stores in the country.  Once it was discontinued from this store, I had a lot of problems finding the line and usually had to order it online and hope that I liked the fragrances when they arrived.  Last month, I found the line at the Fresh Market near my house and now I can go right back to shopping and loving this line and I decided to begin by shopping the makeup line this time around.

When I used the line before, I had only used the body products and the lip products.  I want to try everything else in this line now, starting with the eye and face products.  I have never used many natural eye makeup products and this should be an interesting experience if nothing else.  Last week, I purchased the Fruit Pigmented Mascara in this line and have been using it for the past few days.  I like the idea of using natural products closer to my sensitive eye area but I will say that this mascara formula is not capable of crating the style of lashes that I prefer and I need multiple coats to get my lashes anywhere close to thick and false-looking. 

"100% natural, 100% vegetarian.  Colored with black tea and berry pigments.  Lengthens, separates, thickens and glosses lashes.  Water and smudge resistant; suitable for sensitive eyes."

This mascara comes in four shades:
- Black Tea - black
- Blackberry - plum
- Blueberry - navy
- Dark Chocolate - deep brown

I bought the Black Tea mascara since black mascara is the only shade that I wear.  This mascara is best for women that prefer more natural looking lashes or that already have long, thick natural lashes.  Neither of these describe me so this mascara is not the best formula for me.  One coat gives my lashes a black tint but I need two full coats to get any type of additional volume to my eyelashes.  The formula works well to separate my lashes and keep them defined and non-clumpy.  This formula is not made to help hold any kind of curl either.  This formula starts to flake off in about eight hours and it pretty much almost worn off by the time that I am home from a full day of work and then class at night.

As I said earlier, this formula is best for those who like a more natural lash look or who already have great eyelashes.  I am burning through this mascara because I have to use at least two or three coats of it in the morning, I can't see that I will get much more than two months from this tube.  I don't think that I am really a candidate for natural mascara formulas.

I thought that removal would be easy with this product because it is more natural and doesn't have the chemicals and polymers that more traditional formulas contain.  I wrong in this aspect of the product, I need MAC eye makeup remover to get this product off and I can only get about 75% of the product off my lashes and then the rest ends up on my face after my shower.  Maybe if I needed to use less of the product then this wouldn't be so much of an issue but I can't see myself using only one coat of the product.

This formula is one that I would only use on a casual weekend day, it makes my lashes darker but I need to apply a lot of product to get my lashes to look even the slightest bit thicker.  I don't know that I would even be able to expect the same type of results that I get from a DiorShow or They're Real! from this type of formula as the developers have many less ingredients that they can work with.  I like the concept behind this mascara but the performance is not what I need from a mascara so I will not be buying another tube of it.  However I am still interested in what other eye makeup products are in this line and I will pick up a few each time that I visit Fresh Market for food.

photo courtesy of 100% Pure

Clinique High Impact Mascara

I have been using a lot of products from Clinique lately and the newest mascara formula that I bought is from this line.  I had used their mascaras several years ago and I often liked them, but I never really loved them.  I got many of their mascaras in the past from all the free gifts with purchase and I have reviewed a bunch of their formulas here and I used one of their waterproof formulas for my Beach Theme Week about two years so I am quite familiar with their formulas.  Earlier this month, I ordered a tube of the High Impact formula from Sephora and have been using it for the past few weeks.  I remember having a tube of this mascara way back in college and I wanted to try it again before I reviewed it.  I wondered if the formula had changed since then so I see that the tube has changed, the only way for me to be sure was for me to order another tube of it and try it all over again.  I am happy to say that this formula has remained the same and that I have a good formula that I can easily get whenever I need to.

Clinique has easily become one of my favorite brands over the past few months and I have been buying almost all their skincare products over the first half of this year and I have been adding some of their makeup products to my purchases too.  Earlier this spring, there was not a Sephora purchase that I made without something from Clinique contained in it and my collection grew very rapidly.  I now have a mascara that I love from this line of products and one formula that I know will not irritate my eyes and the skin around them.  I love that I can add another product to my "safe" list, I need a list of products that I can completely trust since I have more than enough problems with irritation and product allergies and after I get a flare-up, I need to go back to something that I can 100% trust.  As of right now...most of these products are Clinique!

"A richly pigmented mascara that kicks up the volume of each individual lash.  Get instant drama! Pump up the volume and length of each lash for a look that's lusher, plusher, and bolder. Dress your lashes in pure, deep color—wear it once and you'll feel naked without it.  Ophthalmologist tested."

This is the best mascara that I have ever used from Clinique and one of the most solid and best on the market.  This is technically a volumizing mascara however it is not made to give the huge, fake-looking lashes that I typically crave.  I never thought that I would say this but I am starting to get away from always wanting the massive eye lashes and I am beginning to believe that I should have two mascara formulas.  I am beginning to think more about the types of careers that I want after I graduate from my MBA and I feel that many of them will not find dramatic makeup to be appropriate and I am beginning to divide my products into "day" and "night" items.  This mascara would fall into the "day" category.  

One coat of this mascara is enough to volumize my lashes for daytime or a professional environment, two coats are then needed when I got out after work.  I bought the Black shade, it is a great inky black shade that even covers all of my lashes with only one coat.  This formula doesn't clump and I have no problems with it flaking off.  This is a great formula of mascara and lasts all day long without having to be touched up or declumped.  I use a regular eye makeup remover to get it off and I can get about 95% of it off with one or two swipes across each eye, the rest I can get off in the shower. 

This is in my Top Ten of mascara formulas, it is probably one of the most dependable formulas that I have ever used.  It can easily be taken from day to night and would work in almost any circumstance, from work to class to going out for dinner.  I also love how this product is safe for sensitive eyes and anyone could get great results from this mascara.  I will repurchase this mascara again and it remains as a top choice on my "safe" list.  Another winner from Clinique!

photo courtesy of Sephora

YSL Mascara Volume Effect Faux Cils Shocking Mascara

I have just completed a good run with MAC's Opulash Mascara and I am now a convert to MAC mascaras.  Not that I really needed yet another mascara line to get hooked on but it is nice to know that I have found yet another type of product that I can count on from MAC and that I have another line of mascaras that I can rely on for great results.  I finished up my tube of Opulash about a week ago and I have turned to a line that has previously given my amazing results with mascara, YSL.  YSL only has one major mascara formulation, Faux Cils, but they have two variations of this formula and I am now using the most dramatic formula of the range.

I used the original Faux Cils mascara last summer for my French Theme Week and I loved the formula very much.  The original formula is one of the best selling and top rated volumizing mascara on the beauty product market and the formula lives up to the hype surrounding it.  It created thick, lush lashes with just one coat and then two coats would take it over the top for getting dressed up.  My only issue with the original formula was that it smeared all over my undereye area when I was removing it at night.  Overall, this is a great formula and issues with the removal didn't bother me very much.

I am now trying the Shocking version of the Faux Cils Mascara line, I received a tube of this product as a large Beauty Insider sample with one of my recent Sephora orders.  I love getting mascaras from these samples because there is enough product for a good month of use and then I can decide if I like it enough to repurchase it or if it is yet another formula that doesn't give me dramatic enough volume.  I really recommend keeping your eyes open for when mascara samples are offered, I will keep my order in my Shopping Cart sometimes until the Beauty Insider samples update with great makeup products...

"A mascara that exaggerates lashes with excess volume from every angle.  Exclusive to YSL, the amplified helix brush provides instant volume to the lashes. The slim brush design allows for perfect control and precision and the off-center twist enhances length and curl. The beautifully creamy formula with pro-vitamin B5 coats each lash evenly, creating a thick and lustrous fringe with a wet look."

This formula is available in the following shades...

- 01 Deep Black - dark inky true black
- 03 Black Bronze - medium warm black
- 04 Sea Black - medium black spiked with navy blue
- 05 Cherry Black - medium black spiked with plum
- 06 Jade Black - medium black spiked with deep green

I used one coat of this mascara to create naturally thick and beautiful lashes for daytime, like the original formula, one coat of this product is enough for the day.  Two coats will be perfect for getting dressed up and going out at night and this is the only time that I have ever needed multiple coats for
effect.  I have only ever had one issue with clumping and this may have been more due to the fact that I was rushing with my application and not due to the formula itself.  This formula wears all day long and stays put until I take it off at night, I have never once had a problem with flaking or smudging when using this formula and I doubt that I ever will.  I wore it out on a long walk the other night after work and even when I was sweating, this formula refused to budge.  The wear of this product is as good as the original and the formula is great.  I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this product removed somewhat easier than the original, this one still doesn't remove very well and I have noticed that there is still some product left on my lashes even when I use my favorite MAC eye makeup remover. 

So is this product any different from the original formula?  After several days of use, I can safely say that there is little to no difference between these two formulas.  Both formulas give great volume and will make lashes look false with the use of two coats, both give basically the exact same great results.  The formulas can be used interchangeably, if one is sold out then I could easily order another one and not feel disappointed.  To be very honest, there doesn't need to even be two formulas of this mascara since they give almost the exact same results.  I am as happy with this version of the formula as I was with the original and I would never hesitate to re-order these mascaras.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Tarte MultiplEYE Clinically Proven Natural Lash Enhancing Primer

On a daily basis, I use eye shadow primer and then overall face primer so I am always interested in what other kinds of primers are available on the beauty product market.  I have seen lipstick primers, however I have never found a need for this product, a good quality lip stain will function just as well as a lipstick primer and I don't have a need for a priming product underneath a sheer lip gloss or tinted balm.  Ever since I had the realization about the lipstick primer, I have been interested in a mascara primer and I jumped at the chance to order a deluxe sized one from the Sephora VIB program late last holiday season.  This product was included in a set from Tarte that was exclusive to VIBs and this is the place that I first tried the Maracuja Oil (and then fell in love with!) and also received a new mascara.

My goal with this product is to get the same lash look and effects with using less mascara.  I am imagining that I could use a coat of this primer and then one coat of mascara and not need the two or three coats of mascara that I often use.  I will not use this product with multiple coats of mascara as putting more product on will increase the chances of clumping.  There is only so large that I would be able to get my eye lashes until I only begin to get clumps and flakes and I do not plan to get to this state.  I decided to try this product out for two weeks and then decide if it is worth me buying a whole separate product to use in the morning or if I would get the exact same result from two coats of thickening mascara. 

"A one-of-a-kind lash primer that is clinically proven to immediately increase the appearance of lash volume by 739%, while also increasing the appearance of lash length with regular use."

"Prep, prime, and for the first time increase the appearance of lash volume by 739%, while also increasing the appearance of lash length, with multiplEYE™ Natural Lash Enhancing Primer. The groundbreaking, high-performance natural formula combines natural plant waxes and film formers to extend and volumize the appearance of lashes, while the proprietary and clinically proven HydroPlant™ peptide (a soy-amino super protein) helps improve the appearance of lash length and growth. For even more volumized and lengthened lashes, use with multiplEYE clinically proven natural lash enhancing mascara for an incredible 1102% increase in the appearance of lash volume! The precision bristles of the cone-shaped brush separate and evenly coat every last lash, while also delivering conditioning nutrients to stimulate lashes from root to tip. "

"To achieve maximum results, use as a part of the multiplEYE 3-step regimen for naturally enhanced lashes without the prescription or the harmful side effects. This product is free from talc, formaldehyde donors, MEA/ DEA/ TEA, and animal testing."

I have been using this product every time that I put mascara on for two weeks now and I concede that it is a nice product but not a life-changing item.  I used this product every morning on clean, dry lashes and then waited about two minutes to them apply my mascara (the tube did not state a specific time that I should wait before applying mascara so I waited longer then normal just to be safe).  There was a bit of a white substance on my lashes but it mostly dried clear, this is not a product that could be used by itself because of the appearance of my lashes after application.  I am using MAC Opulash Mascara and decided to keep using the same product all throughout trying this primer as I know the results to expect one or more coats of that mascara. 

I don't know where Tarte got the 739% increase in lash volume from, that number makes no sense as a lash that became 700% larger would look totally different.  I think that it actually means that each lash is about 7 times larger after use of the product than before use of the product, a number that makes more sense.  Of course, lashes will be larger with the application of a product made to thicken them, the key is for the lashes to look as thick and lustrous as the wear desires (where the products usually die for me).  One coat of this primer really thickens my lashes and then a coat of mascara on top of it will enhance the effect, however I have found that use of this product is no better than applying two coats of thickening mascara.  I have experienced no increase in lash growth and I think that I would have to use the product for at least four to six weeks before I would notice any difference, if this product was really changing my life with how well it volumized my lashes then I would buy another tube if it and keep up the daily use to see how well it performed in this aspect.  But since I could easily just use two coats of mascara, I see no reason to buy this product again and see if it has anymore benefits.

Face and eye shadow primers really make a difference in my makeup application and durability, this product does little more than a coat of a traditional thickening mascara will do.  This product really didn't do very much for me and therefore I will be skipping over it.  If this is the only product that I do not like from Tarte...

photo courtesy of Sephora

MAC Opulash Mascara

The last time that I went mascara shopping I decided that I was going to try a different brand and I starting shopping for a formula at the MAC counter.  I know what each of you are thinking..."Has she never used a MAC mascara formula before?  MAC is one of her favorite brands!".  I had often looked at MAC mascaras but I had always passed these formulas over for the limited edition collections and tons of lipsticks and lip gloss shades.  So this time around, I decided to try the slightly less glamorous era of the MAC counter and check out some new formulas.  I will admit that I was originally attracted to the Archie's Girls packaging of this mascara that the counter had displayed.  I forced myself to look past the super cute packaging and ask the MAC artist what her favorite products for eyes were.  Opulash is the mascara that she recommended and this is the tube that I purchased that night (she recommended a few other products and I ended up leaving with a full bag of products but that is beside the point).

This was recommended to me as a volumizing mascara and I have been using it for a few days now and I must say that I do agree.  This mascara gives me huge lashes and is very similar to Benefit's BadGal Lash and Diorshow Iconic.  I am very happy that I have another mascara formula that I can rely on for great lashes.

"Superlative style & state-of-the-art science merge. A new formula in a more saturated intense black with extra-volumization, expansion & curl delivered dramatically with our most bodacious brush yet. Lasts 15 hours!"

This formula is available in two shades: a deep blue and a black.  Of course, I bought the black shade since that is the only mascara hue that I ever use.  It is true black, it is very deep and rich and the color saturates the lashes with only one coat.

The MAC associate told me that this is one of the thinner mascara formulas and allows the user to build volume with multiple coats and no clumping.  I am never satisfied with just one coat of mascara and need one that lets me build volume and drama.  I hate volumizing mascara where the formula is so thick that I can't build coats and then get all the small lashes that I miss with the first application, I am very picky about mascara formulas and textures and this one has passed all my tests so far.  I can't say that this the best mascara that I have ever used, I have gotten slightly better results from Diorshow Iconic but this is a very solid volumizing formula and I wouldn't hesitate to purchase it again. 

I need two coats of this mascara to get the big lashes that I crave, one coat will volumize lashes but it is not enough for me (it would be enough for normal mascara users).  The huge brush used with this formula makes getting the smaller corner lashes a bit harder but I have gotten great results from only using the tip to grab these lashes.  I have not any issues with clumping, smudging, or flaking and that makes me really excited since I can put this product on in the morning and then it lasts until I take it off at night and I don't need to clean it up throughout the day. 

This mascara is very easy to remove at night with the use of a separate eye makeup remover, I rarely have any excess product under my eyes after removal and I am very happy with this aspect. 

Opulash is a very solid volumizing formula, it is not my favorite but it works very well and delivers on its promises.  I love how it stays in place and it is easy to build the needed volume.  I would love to see this formula is more of the limited edition packaging and I know that I would buy a tube of it right along with the rest of the products.

photo courtesy of MAC

Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara

Last month, Dior announced that they would be releasing a new version of the best selling Diorshow Iconic Mascara, adding yet another selection to their award-winning mascara line.  Right after the announcement occured, Sephora was offering this mascara as a Beauty Insider sample for a very limited amount of time, I ordered mine right after I got the email from Sephora and I believe that it pretty much sold out right after that.  I have been using my sample for about three weeks now and I am much looking forward to the product itself coming out and then being able to order a full size tube.  The sample tube will be finished in less than two weeks and I hope that I can hold out until the full size is available.  I was so excited when I got this sample in the mail and I hope that Sephora continues this trend so that I can try really exciting products before they release. 

The original version of Diorshow Iconic is a favorite mascara of mine, it gives huge volume and fully separates lashes, creating a very attractive fan of full lashes.  I couldn't find any faults with the original version and I have been in love with it for several years now and then when I heard about the new version, I got even more excited to see if this version could actually improve on the original!

"A revolutionary mascara with a curved brush that offers spectacular volume and curling power.  Create glamorously curled lashes day after day. Inspired by professional curling irons, the curved brush styles every lash from bottom to top. High-precision ingredients provide intense definition and hold without clumping or smudging. Creating instant oversized volume and curl, this evolutionary formula nourishes your lashes with a unique lipid complex that strengthens and smoothes for long-lasting vitality."

"Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara embodies a host of key technologies. Its K-Polymer Formula combines lifting, coating, and fixing polymers for instantly dramatic curves and long-lasting wear. Its waxes and oils offer a volumizing complex that boosts adherence, coverage, and smoothing for a dramatic lift. A lipid complex of abyssinv oil and pseudo-ceramid strengthens lashes to prevent breakage, while plant nectar boosts the development of keratin, reinforcing lashes.  An instrumental study that used before-and-after photos to measure lashes upon makeup application found the following increases: +53% in volume and +111% in curl.  In clinical studies on 31 subjects observing naked lashes after four weeks of daily application found the following increases: +31% in volume and +33% in curl."

I feel like I need to say this yet again...mascara is not made to curl the lashes by itself, it can help to hold the curl or make the lashes more bendable to curling after the mascara application.  I did use a separate lash curler with this product and I could see huge different in lahses from before I curled them and then applied the product.

This mascara line is touted as one of the best volumizing formulas on the market and I absolutely agree.  The new version of Diorshow Iconic does not disappoint and will be another great addition to the Dior mascara line up.  One coat of this mascara is perfect for the daytime work environment or night class but I have used two coats when I am getting dressed up or want a bit more drama for the nighttime.  This mascara delivers extreme colume and I loved how much my lash volume grew, this is one of the best volumizing formulas that I have ever used.  This mascara keeps the curl in my lashes longer and better than many other formulas and therefore I do really like the aspect of this product that claims to hold the curl better than the original.  I love how this formula holds the curl all day long and my lashes don't start drooping within a few hours of application.  In addition to all the above attributes, this formula lasts all day long and doesn't flake off throughout the day.

I actually have no drawbacks for this formula, even the removal of the product is very easy (when using eye makeup remover) and this is rare for a mascara formula.  I am reading the clinical trial results as though the formula provides a long term effect and the results will actually be an improvment in the bare lashes but I am not quite sure if I am reading this correctly.  Did I notice a huge improvment in my bare lashes?  No I can't say that I have but I didn't take before and after pictures during my using of this product.  I can state that my lashes are not breaking as much with this formula as I have noticed with other formulas.  Also I haven't seen as many lashes falling out with the use of this formula, there were no bald patches in my lash line (thank God!) and I guess that my lash line has improved and become more healthy in this respect. 

I really do love this mascara formula and I will be using my sample until I can get no more product out of the tube.  By then I am hoping that the full size tube will be out and I can order myself a full size tube.  This is another great addition to the Diorshow Mascara line up and it makes me love this company even more!!

photo courtesy of Sephora

Beauty Loves Week Day Six - Dior Diorshow Iconic Mascara

With my love of mascara and my obsession with buying and trying new formulas, it will come to no surprise that my Beauty Loves Week includes one of the best formulas that I have ever used.  And I have used a lot of mascaras, I rarely buy the same one twice and always pounce on whatever is new and top rated (from all kinds of companies).  I am very picky with mascaras and reject several for every one that I end up loving.  One the few that I fell madly in love with is the Dior Diorshow Iconic formula from Dior.  Diorshow mascaras have been best selling and top rated formulas ever since the original formula was released and I think that each update to the formula just gets better and better.  Iconic is my favorite of the mascaras and the one that I would repurchase any time that I need mascara. 

This is one of my newer loves from this week, I first tried this formula in 2009 and have bought it several times since then.  I have tried the original Diorshow and the Iconic formulas and I have just received a Beauty Insider sample from Sephora of the new Iconic Overcurl formula.  I cannot wait to try this new formula and to see if I have another mascara love.  More to come on this one!

The Diorshow Mascaras are so famous that Sephora has an entire area on the Dior area of their website devoted just to describing and comparing these award-winning formulas.  I'm waiting for them to get a display with blinking lights in the store. 

Sephora's introduction to the overall Diorshow formula line, "Born from the hands of artists, these backstage essentials are responsible for punctuating many of the beauty statements you see on the runway and red carpet. These mascara legends are also adored for their ability to turn lash aspirations into an everyday attainable and luxurious reality. Create your own spotlight-worthy results with these standout formulas that continue to push the definition of fierce fringe."  All of the formulas of this mascara are great but I want to focus on Diorshow Iconic because this one is my personal favorite.

"A mascara with an innovative oblique brush that curls and defines lashes.  Diorshow Iconic Mascara is the latest in Dior's dazzling range of best-selling mascaras. Created backstage for fashion shows and celebrity red carpet events, the Iconic mascara features an oblique cut brush that gives an extra lash-curling effect. With its long, skinny teeth, the plastic comb brush allows you to precisely coat each lash one-by-one-creating a long, separated fan of lashes that usually takes the skill of a makeup artist. The extra-hold formula provides a 24-hour-curl with 100% smudge-proof results.  Inspired by the tailoring technique of cutting fabric on the bias to create maximum curve, the Iconic brush features soft silicone bristles that spiral around the stem to lift, curl, and separate every lash."

What makes this mascara so special?  This formula just does it all and performs well in every single aspect.  To start with, the brush is so very unique, the plastic comb helps to define each individual lash and prevents against clumping.  I can load this mascara on and clumping is never an issue, unlike many other volumizing formulas of mascara.  Diorshow mascaras are all volumizing and help to create the massive, fake-looking lashes that I crave.  This formula is set apart by how well it volumizes but doesn't run a clumping risk like the original formula.  Iconic holds the curls better than most formulas and helps to make my eyes look huge and wide awake.  Many ladies will layer their mascaras to combine the best of both formulas but I really believe that this formula will give you great volume, curl, definition, and length.  This one formula will do it all and without flaking off or creating a mess when you remove it at the end of the day.

I love Iconic and I now have such high hopes for Iconic Overcurl.  Let's see if I find a new mascara love in the next few weeks!

photo courtesy of Sephora

Benefit Do The Bright Thing

Last week, we looked at one fo the many new palettes and sets that Benefit is coming out with this speing and today we are going to look at another one.  I have been buying a lot more from Benefit in the past year than I ever did before and I have really loved almost every item that I have gotten from them and I don't hesitate to buy anything new from this company now.  I am hoping that they come out with a set that contains small sizes of all of their skincare products, I am really surprised that I cannot find anything like this anywhere since this company always has all kinds of new sets and palettes out every season. 

Do The Bright Thing is the Benefit set that we are going to look at right now, the name of this product caught my eye instantly because I hate how ugly and gray my skin tends to look this time of the year and I will buy anything that promises a brighter complexion.  This set looks as though it contains multiple highlighters and hopefully I should find something to help my face in this set.  With using the Tarte Pure Marajuca Oil, I must say that my skin is better this year than it has been in previous years but I would still like to find a product of two that makes it looks as good as it will in spring!

"A best and brightest total-face makeup kit.  Brighten up your entire look with these brilliant beautifiers! These luminous bestsellers will give your face and cheeks a supermodel glow—and open your eyes with sexy definition."

The set contains the following items...

That Gal Brightening Face Primer - A silky pink primer that makes skin appear smoother and brighter.  Prime your skin to pretty—go from dull to darling with "That Gal"! Wear alone for clear complexion radiance or apply before makeup for a smooth, effortless application. Plus you can use it to re-brighten throughout the day.

High Beam Luminescent Complexion Enchancer - A luminescent complexion enhancer.  Benefit High Beam is an ethereal pink liquid highlighter that creates a radiantly dewy complexion. For an angelic sheen, this pink shimmering lotion adds a soft, natural afterglow.  It's a "supermodel in a bottle" and perfectly alluring on all skin tones.

Dandelion Brightening Face Powder - Fake awake with Dandelion—Benefit's ballerina-pink pressed highlighting powder. Just one stroke of Dandelion takes your complexion from dull to radiant in an instant. It's shimmery, satiny, radiant, perk-me-up finish is guaranteed to make them wonder ..."How do you look so pretty at eight in the morning?"

They're Real!  Beyond Mascara - A jet-black mascara that lengthens, curls, volumizes, lifts, and separates lashes for a spectacular "out-to-here" look.  This mascara features an exclusive brush specially designed to maximize the performance of the long-wearing, glossy formula revealing lashes you never knew you had! Staggered bristles grab close to the root, boosting length and volume beyond belief. The precision bristles on the custom-domed tip lift, define, and curl even your tiniest lashes. The end result is luxurious, silky lashes that won't smudge, clump, or dry out.

Bad Gal Liner Waterproof Eye Pencil - A black waterproof eyeliner.  Benefit BADgal Liner Waterproof Eye Liner contains a unique formula that glides on smooth and won't smudge or smear. It has a blending tip on one end so you can smudge your way to a perfect smoky eye.
- Extra Black - jet black

So far, this set looks to be the most promising out of all of them, I can see that Benefit has included most of their top sellers and fan favorites here.  I must try That Gal!, this pink highlighter could be the exact product that I need to help my skin and I will use it all through the spring if it really works.  The exact same will hold true for Dandelion, I want this face powder/blush and I could see myself using this all time, the pink shade will be great for me and I know a bunch of people who love this product.

I think that I will grab this set the next time that I am at Sephora as all of these products hold a lot of potential for making me look more human this winter!

photo courtesy of Sephora

Benefit Primping with the Stars

Last fall, we saw Benefit release a bunch of great palettes right in a row and this spring will be no different.  I think that I see at least two or three new ones on the Sephora website and we aren't even out of the first week of January yet, who knows what else will be waiting for us over the next few weeks.  Primping with the Stars is the first set that really got my attention, I loved the name and it jumped out at me right when I was browsing on the Sephora website.  This is a set that contains some of the best selling and cult items from Benefit, I can already see two of my favorites from this company: They're Real! Mascara and The Pore-fessional Pro Balm.  They're Real! is one of the few mascaras that I would ever repurchase and the primer is one of the best for the warmer weather months (for skin that isn't as dry as mine, this would be a good priming choice for every season in the year).  I also spy the Benetint Lip and Cheek Stain, my first product ever from this company and one that I still use.  I wonder what other cult Benefit favorites will work for me now...

This set is exclusive to Sephora so I will pull all of my information from this company's website.  "An all-time greatest “fake-its” kit for face, cheeks, eyes, and lips that'll make them all starstruck.  Primp yourself to star-worthy status! This collection of Benefit’s iconic favorites for the face, cheeks, eyes, and lips will make you red-carpet gorgeous. Now that’s cause for applause!"

The products in the set!

Stay Don't Stray Stay-Put Primer - A 360 degree primer for concealers and eye shadows.  Tell your eye makeup to stay, don't stray! This dual-action primer works 360 degrees around the eyes to make concealers and eye shadows REALLY stay put. Concealers never crease and eye shadows stay vibrant and true—you'll wonder how you ever lived without it!  Stay Don't Stray preps, protects, AND perfects!  Preps: The lightweight formula blends seamlessly into skin, brightens eye area to minimize the appearance of fine lines, and comes in a universally flattering nude shade.  Protects: Hydrates with sodium hyaluronate to lock in moisture, fights signs of aging with vitamins C & E, and does not contain parabens.  Perfects: It's long-wearing to keep makeup looking fresh, locks on ALL concealers & eye shadows and prevents creasing of eye makeup.

Some Kind-A-Gorgeous Foundation - A sheer, oil-free, cream-to-powder complexion perfector.  This lightweight, translucent, foundation-like product smoothes out imperfections and evens skin tone with a silky, smooth finish that's super natural and super gorgeous.
- Medium - sheer natural beige

Benetint Rose-Tinted Lip and Cheek Stain - The original—and still the best—rose-tinted cheek and lip stain.  Benefit Benetint is a kiss-proof and smudge-proof, indelibly sheer tint. It gives an innocent yet provocative glow to keep everyone guessing, "what has she been up to?"  It's the sexiest flush you can get from a bottle.
- Benetint - rose

The Pore-fessional Pro Balm - A PRO balm that minimizes the appearance of pores.  The POREfessional quickly minimizes the appearance of pores. Apply this silky, lightweight balm to achieve translucent pore coverage and smoother-than-smooth skin. Pores—now you see 'em, now you don't!  Oil-free. Instructions included.

Girl Meets Pearl Liquid Pearl for Face - This soft, golden-pink liquid pearl luminizer features light-reflecting pigments to give your complexion an exquisite, dewy glow. It includes raspberry & chamomile, known for their soothing properties…and sweet almond seed extract known to help improve skin firmness & smoothness. Pat it on over blush to highlight cheekbones with a pop of pearly pleasure!  Pat & blend over makeup for eye-catching luminescence. Wondering how much to apply? One twist for subtle sheen…two or more for dewy radiance.
- Girl Meets Pearl - rose gold shimmer

They're Real! Beyond Mascara - A jet-black mascara that lengthens, curls, volumizes, lifts, and separates lashes for a spectacular "out-to-here" look.  This mascara features an exclusive brush specially designed to maximize the performance of the long-wearing, glossy formula revealing lashes you never knew you had! Staggered bristles grab close to the root, boosting length and volume beyond belief. The precision bristles on the custom-domed tip lift, define, and curl even your tiniest lashes. The end result is luxurious, silky lashes that won't smudge, clump, or dry out. 

I am thinking that buying this set would be a great choice for me, I already know that I will use and love three of the products.  Both the primer and the mascara are top choices of mine and I would never turn down a reason to pick up some more of these two products.  And if i can get more of these two products and then try some new ones out yet too?!  I want this set!

Girl Meets Pearl is the product that I am most interested in, I want to use it over blush when I go out at night.  I do think that it might be too much for the daytime hours but will look wonderful at night to brighten up my pale skin this time of the year.  This product could make my winter pale skin look a million times better.  I am always game to try a new eye shadow primer so I will use the Stay, Don't Stray that is included with this set, I love it when I can find a new formula of eye shadow primer that works as well at the Urban Decay version of the product, I need to have a few good formulas just in case Urban Decay would be sold out of what I want or change up their formula. 

The foundation shade in this set might be too dark for me, I would have to hold this product until next summer when I have used self-tanner a few times.  I typically would only use a power formula during the warm weather months anyway, my skin is too dry in the fall and winter for it to work well.  I will have to put this product on the back burner for the moment.

So far I love the new sets from Benefit and I am so excited to see what other sets come out in the next few months!

photo courtesy of Sephora

Vincent Longo The Curl Mascara

I used to use Vincent Longo products all the time when they were carried at Sephora but ever since then, I rarely order or find them anywhere.  I was digging through my stash of unopened products the other day and I found a never-used tube of mascara, I believe that I bought this right when Sephora was discontinuing the line and they had a huge sale on the products at the store.  I had remembered using and liking a mascara formula from them but since I wasn't sure which one it was, I just deicded to try something new and picked up a tube of The Curl Mascara.  I didn't need a new mascara at the time so I put it aside and forgot about it for quite a while, I was a bit nervous to use this product since I didn't remember quite when I actually bought it but the tube was sealed the whole time and nothing seemed off about the formula itself. 

When I was making my decision, I decided that I would patch test this prodduct first.  I rubbed some on my arm and let it wear all night.  I didn't have any problems and as I said above, the texture was fine and it smelled like every other Longo mascara that I had used so I decided to give this product a go.  This experience made me wonder how long cosmetics are really good for and how long they can sit on the shelf before they are sold to us...

The Curl Mascara is a slightly misleading name for a mascara, I have stated before and I will say it again right here.  Mascara cannot curl your lashes, it can only help to maintain the curl that you have already put on your lashes.  Therefore, if you want curled lashes, use an eye lash curler and then use a formula that will help the curl to stay in place.  This is a formula that you will like if you take the time to curl your lashes and really want them to stay in place all day.

This line of makeup is available on the Vincent Longo website and therefore that is where I will pull the product description from.  "Think deeply colored, lengthy lashes that never clump, curl naturally and reach toward the heavens. Inspired by those true full lashes that some women are born with, and we all wish we had, the Curl's leading edge formula amplifies lashes without looking false or cakey, bestowing every woman with "well-endowed" yet natural looking lashes.  Unique curved wand follows the lashline to evenly distribute the mascara while it reaches and separates every lash.  Volumizing fibers and natural waxes contour and define lashes, yet feel weightless.  Dries quickly and will not smudge.  Easily removed with make-up remover or soap and water."

The following type of application is recommended if you wish to really enhance the curl of your lashes.  "Apply mascara using a zigzag motion from the roots to the tips of the lashes. Apply product more generously to the outer corner of the lashline to extend and open the eye."  This is pretty much how I apply any formula of mascara, there is nothing super unique about this type of application and I doubt that it will really change your lashes...

This mascara only comes in a black shades which is fine with me since I only wear black mascaras.  This is regular black, nothing amazing.  The formula needed a makeup remover to get off but removed pretty cleanly and without giving me raccoon eyes.

This mascara is really made to enhance curl, it is not specifically for lengthening or volumizing.  This is another one of those mascaras that gives me nice lashes and a good result but I wouldn't rebuy because it doesn't provide the huge, thick lashes that I tend to buy mascaras for.  Two coats of this product didn't get close to the results that I get from one coat of Buxom Lash or Diorshow so I know that I would buy a formula closer to either of those.  This formula worked best for me when I used it with Buxom Sculpted Lash, I used the Buxom formula to build volume and length and then used this formula is enhance the curl that I put in my lashes.  This style of application made the formula more to my liking but I still would rather use two coats of a volumizing mascara that is formulated to hold a curl.  At this point, most mascaras are formulated to help hold a curl and a separate formula is not needed for that...

photo courtesy of Vincent Longo

Buxom Buxom Sculpted Lash Mascara

I have just finished up the tube of the Lancome Hyponose Doll Lashes Mascara that I started using at the very beginning of October, I have been going through mascara like crazy the past few months as I continue to be obsessed with creating huge lashes.  I typically had to use two to three full coats of the Lancome formula to get the lashes that I want and then I ended up going through the tube faster than usual.  When I ordered that mascara from Sephora, I also ordered the newest formula from Buxom. I had loved the original Buxom Lash Mascara when I first bought it several years ago and it has remained a favorite of mine.  Therefore I was very excited when I saw another version of this mascara and ordered it as soon as my mascara stash began getting on the low side. 

The original Buxom was one of the few mascara formulas that could give me the huge, thick lashes that I am obsessed with and performs among the best formuals from Benefit and Dior.  The new version of this mascara is the Buxom Sculpted Lash Mascara, a mascara with a "S" shaped wand to help this formula create really large and defined lashes.  I have used this mascara for the past three days and so far I have been really happy with the results that I have been seeing. 

This brand is exclusive to Sephora, this is only place that the products can be purchased (I have also seen them at free-standing Bare Escentuals stores too).  " A vitamin-rich, lash-nourishing mascara with a unique “S” shaped brush.  Consider Sculpted Lash Mascara as lash artistry at its best. The “S” shaped brush grabs and thickly coats each lash, allowing you to sculpt, shape and style for a full-on, fanned-out effect. The nutrient-rich formula coats each lash from root to tip, ensuring your volume and shape lasts all day with no clumping or flaking."  This mascara is available in one shade, True Black, and it is a deep black hue.

Since the brush is so unique, Sephora has provided instructions on how to get the best use from this product.  "Hold the wand with tip down so that the outer “U” shaped curve of the brush contours to the outer curve of your lashes.  Sweep through lashes, while slowly turning brush for ultimate volume and shape.  Then, use the angled tip to maneuver into those hard-to-reach inner lashes.  The finishing touch: with tip pointed down, tap the brush along lower lashes to coat."

Following the instructions is key for the best results from this product, I do skip over the last step since I don't do my lower lashes but the first three create the best use of this product.  The first step is key, the upper curve on the outisde creates volume at the outer corner of the eyes.  This step makes my eyes look bigger and more open, while the formula creates the huge lashes that I crave.  This brush is harder to work with than the original, it took me several tries to get it right.  The first time that I used it, I created a mess of clumpy lashes and had to use a comb to get them sorted out.  The next time, I used it slightly slower and was able to avoid the clumps.  For daytime use, I do one coat of this product and then save the second coat for more drama.  After I have finished the initial coats, I use the tip of brush to touch up individual lashes that I amy have missed the first time around and then use the tip just to add an extra coat to the very outer corner lashes.  This usage creates a great result from this mascara and makes me very happy.

Removal of this formula is the worst aspect, eye makeup remover only gets about 75% of it off and the rest smeared all over my under eye area.  This isn't the worst formula that I have used for removal but I don't love how much effort it takes for me to get it all off at night.

I have finally found a mascara formaul that makes me happy, however I was expecting this formula to be a winner for me since I have loved the original since I first tried it out.  This formula is one of the best for those of us who love big, dramatic lashes.  This brush is harder to work with than the original but the results are much better for opening up and bringing attention to the eyes.  I have found another mascara that I can consider a top choice for huge lashes and I really recommend it!

photo courtesy of Sephora

Lancome Hyponse Doll Lashes Mascara

I am forever in the search of huge, thick lashes and I am currently finished my tube of YSL Faux Cils and it therefore is time to find another formula that will give me massive lashes.  I made a Sephora order several weeks ago that was primarily mascara and skincare based and a tube of this product was included with my order, for the longest time I ordered multiple mascaras at once so I always had tons of choices in my traincase but somewhere in the past year, I realized just how much mascara that I already owned and decided to suspend this trend for a bit.  Somehow in the past few months, I saw that I had used up all the tubes of mascara that I already owned and that I needed to revitalize my traincase.  I started with buying the tube of Faux Cils for my French Week coverage last summer and then went on to the Amazing Mascara formula.

As I stated in the review of the Amazing Mascara formula, this is mascara that is best used for daytime volume and wasn't the type of formula that I would use for huge, fake-looking lashes.  Trying to fulfill this obsession was one of the major points of my Sephora order and I order both the Lancome Hyponse Doll Lashes Mascara and the new formula from Buxom (haven't opened this one yet) in the hopes that I would find a formula that performed to my expectations.  I have been using this mascara for about a week now and so far I am pretty happy with it.

From the Sephora website, "A mascara that extends, lifts, and pumps up the volume to doll-like proportions of lashes.  This mascara helps create Lancôme's most flirtatious lash look. A new, unique, cone-shaped brush provides an extremely smooth application, precisely defining even your hard-to-reach corners and lower lashes. This expert formula lifts and thickens every single lash without weighing it down.  This product was ophthalmologically tested and is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers."  In addition to the description of the product, Sephora included one of the major results from the research done on this mascara formula.  "With Hypnôse Doll Lashes, women perceived an eye opening effect up to 35% according to a test group of 28 women."

I remember seeing the advertisements for this product when it was first released last year and the models reminded me of the 1960s supermodel Twiggy, with her huge lashes and big eyes.  This mascara was made to make the eyes resemble doll's lashes, really long, huge, and wide-eyed.  This mascara did promise me volume however I found it to be more of a lengthening formula.

I would place this mascara as a lengthening and volumizing formula, I found that it performs better in the lengthening aspect than in the huge volume aspect, this formula did provide volume but not quite the lush lashes that I chase after.  Where this mascara really performs is in making my lashes longer and really separating every single little lash, this is one of those rare formulas that really separates lashes and grabs even the smallest lashes in the corner of my eyes.  I really see the "doll" effect, my eyes look huge when I use this formula and they are much brighter.  I found that I need two coats of this formula to reap any type of volumizing effect, one coat will lengthen and separate my lashes however in order to create the "doll" effect, two full coats are needed. 

I was very impressed at how easy this formula is to remove, it was a breath of fresh air after YSL Faux Cils.  The Faux Cils formula smears during removal and leaves black residue all over my undereye area.  This mascara removed easily and fully with the use of eye makeup remover and didn't create more of an issue when I remove it at the end of the day.

I like this formula but I would need to own this with at least one or two more mascara formulas with it, this is another formula that I prefer to use during the day or in the summer months.  I don't get the fake lash look that I prefer from this formula.  I will buy more tubes of this mascara to use during the day and I am hoping that the new mascara from Buxom that I also bought will fulfill my need for very dramatic volume lashes.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Amazing Cosmetics Mascara

I first used the Amazing Cosmetics Mascara several years ago and then when I went back to Bath and Body Works to buy it, the company had stopped carrying it and I pretty much forgot about the product.  However several months ago, I saw this product at the Amazing Cosmetics counter at my local Sephora and I decided to buy a tube of this mascara and I see if I still liked it as much as I remembered.  Everyone who reads this blog knows that I am obsessed with mascara and am always searching for new formulas and ways to make my eye lashes look full and huge.  This year hasn't been a great year for me with mascara, I have liked a few formulas that I tried but I didn't love anything until I tried YSL Faux Cils and fell instantly in love.  So far, nothing else has surpassed my love of that formula this year however I continue to try and collect all kinds of formulas each time that I go to Sephora.

I know that I tried this mascara out in the middle of 2006 in a flagship Bath and Body Works and then bought a tube to take home with me.  I was mascara shopping already at that time and I had heard great reviews of other products in the Amazing line and I was very impressed with how this mascara performed.  I remembered this formula as a volumizing formula however I didn't remember how it compared to some of the my favorites (Benefit They're Real!, Diorshow Iconic, Buxom Lash) so I decided to buy a tube of this while I still had some product left in my Faux Cils tube.  And I am glad that I did that, this mascara helps to plump lashes up but doesn't deliver the Faux Cils-type of huge, almost fake lashes. 

I know that this line is available at Sephora however I do not know of any other places that I can buy it so I will pull all my information from the Sephora website.  "A technologically advanced mascara that builds thick, sexy lashes without flaking or clumping.  AmazingCosmetics Mascara creates thick, voluminous lashes by utilizing specific curling polymers. You will be left with a lush, defined frame for the eyes—minus the flaking or clumping." 

This mascara is a nice formula however it is not the best for major volume.  With two coats, it creates a nice amount of volume, this would be more of a spring/summer day mascara for me.  In fall and winter, I really go all out with mascaras and crave an even larger lash look than usual.  This formula didn't irritate my eyes at all, even with eye makeup remover that I need to use to get it off.  The formula didn't smudge any more than most others that I have tried and removed better than many others, Faux Cils is one of the worst at removal and that is one of the few aspects that I hate about it.  The Amazing Mascara formula would be good for the more humid days of the summer since it doesn't smudge and will survive the humidity.  It defines the lashes well and rarely clumped after application.  I had a few clumping issues but they all occured with the application of the second coat, this is the coat that I try to build up the most volume on so I find that I apply the formula much more thickly on the second coast.

This formula is best for someone who likes slightly more dramatic lashes but doesn't want the huge, fake-looking lashes.  I would be more likely to use it during the day in the humid weather.  This is not the type of mascara that I would use when going out at night, I would reserve the most dramatic mascaras for this time of the night.  I don't know that I would rebuy this mascara since there are so many other options out there and it wasn't a formula that is really unique.  This formula reminds me more of a Clinique formula of mascara, more of a middle end than a high end mascara. 

I would recommend this mascara for someone who likes slightly more natural looking thick lashes, not someone who is looking for a false lash effect.  Other than that that face, this is a nice formula but there is nothing that really sets it apart from the rest of the formulas on the market today.

photo courtesy of Sephora

French Week 2012 Day 2 - YSL Faux Cils Mascara

Yesterday we looked at how well French women wear an effortless red lip and today we are looking at one of the best mascaras on the market today.  When French women aren't wearing their red lip for day, they often turn up the smolder factor with a great smoky eye and lashes that look as though they could be fake.  Fake eye lashes are more prevelent in the United States than in many other countries so the women in those countries often turn to a top quality mascara that can mimic the effects of the fake lashes.  With much less effort...  I can't ever see Bridget Bardot waking up in the morning with her perfectly smudged black eye makeup and a fake eye lash falling off...

YSL has been one of the top French beauty companies and was originally created over 30 years ago to celebrate the unique beauty of every woman that wears it.  I found the background on the creation of the beauty line on the Sephora website. 

"In 1978, Yves Saint Laurent launched a woman's makeup line.  Quite simply, his goal was to create a 'face' for the woman he dressed.  Just for her, he created a luxurious universe of colors and textures with makeup designed to look like accessories or genuine pieces of designer jewelry.  Today, YSL's celebrated makeup line contains treasures of innovation, textures that delight and perfect, along with an exquisite wardrobe of shades to match the richness of YSL's chosen materials of the season.  For Yves Saint Laurent, the beauty of each woman is unique, and her makeup reveals her personal style.  It adorns the face with a tailor-made radiance that lets beautiful confidence shine through.  Yves Saint Laurent Beaute is an interpretation of a woman, without stereotype: free, daring, always seductive, elegant, sensual, and contemporary."

One of the iconic pieces of the makeup line is the Faux Cils Mascara, one of the best selling mascaras.  This product is the gold standard for mascara and is very appropriate that it contained in a golden tube.  "For a false lash effect with buildable volume, discover the beauty of glamourous lashes with our bestselling Luxurious mascara.  The secret of this mascara?  A brush that has been specially designed to amplify the performance of the formula.  Your eyes look intense and glamourous.  With even one sweep of the wand and its unique formula, this mascara adds intense volume and definition to the appearance of lashes.  Available in a wardrobe of couture colours", states the YSL website.
I bought this mascara in the 9 Noir Radical shade, the deepest, most intense black shade.  This mascara is also available in a more basic black, a purple hue, and a burgundy.  I bought the deepest of the black shades because I haven't been as happy as I could be with the past few mascaras that I have used, mostly for the lack of drama that the formulas have been providing me.  This shade is often sold out my Sephora so I was happy to see that it was back in stock, I have been waiting to buy this product until this shade was available since I want only the most dramatic effects from this formula.
This product builds more volume in one coat then most mascaras build in two of three coats.  One coat is enough for daytime, nighttime drama can push me to put a second coat of this formula on.  One coat provides high volume effects and really thickened my lashes.  I love that my lashes are super-thick with the use of this product but they still remain defined and the formula doesn't clump.  One coat is enough for daytime and two coats creates the perfect nighttime intensity.

My only issue with this mascara is the removal of it.  Eye makeup remover was able to remove about half of the mascara with the first application and I have to use the cotton ball soaked in the product at least twice to get the majority of it off.  Even though it took longer to clean off than many other formulas, I still emerged from the shower with black stremaing down my cheeks, I got more of the product off my face with regular face wash however there was still some product directly under my eyes.  This mascara is a pain to get off since it gets everywhere when I try to remove it.  This is a small price to pay since I finally have found a mascara that gives me the volume and drama that I have been craving for the past few months.

To sum it all up, I simply feel elegant and French applying the mascara from the gold tube and it is an added bonus that the formula is exactly what I have been looking for!

photo courtesy of Sephora