"The eye is the jewel of the body."

Maybelline Pulse Perfection by Define-a-Lash Waterproof Mascara Very Black

The claim:

1. Lusicious thickness

2. Luxorious length

3. Smooth separation

4. Intense color

5. Shapely curve

6. Healthy luster

7. Zero clumps

This is a curious little products...vibrating mascara.  I was pleasantly surprised at how much I actually liked it. 

At first I couldn't get mine to work, but after I played with it for a little bit I got it working.  It is a little awkward to hold down the button (it's in a stupid spot), but once you get it down, it really does a nice job of evenly distributing mascara on all lashes without clumping.  The trick to applying is to start as close to the lid as possible and sllllooowly move upward.  Keep repeating until desired effect is achieved.  Don't allow time to dry between coats.  I really liked the wand itself, I think that even if it didn't vibrate I would probably use it.

I didn't find that my lashes were particularly full or had much curl.  However, they were super long, separated, and clumpless.  I doubt I would make this my "regular" mascara, but I would probably use this on days when I was looking for a more paired-down natural look. 

In fact, it would probably look fantastic with Covergirls Natureluxe Gloss Balm. =)

"A hint of color that cares for your lips" Love, Love, Love!

I recently spotted the display for the newest Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balms...

"A hint of color that cares for your lips."

I can't express to you how excited I am at Berts Bees newest arrival.  I bought it on the spot in Pink Blossom.  I looooove this product.  I've been a huge fan of Bert's Bees for quite some time and their lip balms have become a staple in my beauty routine.  It's different than their previous tinted lip blam Lip Shimmers which I always found to be a little overwhelming on me.

This tinted chappy comes in a traditional chapstick tube.  It doesn't have the minty-tingle that I've come to love from their other peppermint oil formulas, but I still love it.  Light and fruity.  Highly moisturizing, with just the slightest hint of color AND it's 100% natural.

I'll be purchasing Tiger Lilly this weekend.

Berts Bees Tinted Lip Blam in Pink Blossom $6.99  <---totally worth it if you're a fan of Berts Bees.

Lash out, baby!

I get a lot of compliments on my lashes. Since I'm pretty much blind without my glasses, I really try to play up my eyes to make them more noticeable behind my lenses.  I used to wear falsies a lot, but they were such a hassle, a bit messy, and once a few of my natural lashes fell out... I discontinued use immediately.  Freaked me out.  I will say that I was blessed with naturally long lashes... thank you genetics!  Mascaras really do enhance what nature gave you.  I've tested a million mascaras and have determined that while some are pretty effective on their own, what really works for me is a layering process.  By request, I'm going to share my process with you all.

Get yourself a lash curler if you don't have one already.  Every woman should own one.  They instantly make your eyes look brighter and wider... thus making you look more awake.  Always curl your lashes BEFORE you apply mascara.  Dry mascara can stick to the curler and be pulled out from the root!  Clamp lashes near lid.  TIP: direct the heat from a blow dryer on to the tool for no more than 5 seconds for best results, this will help your lash keep its curl.  Touch the metal with a finger first, if it's hot, wait a bit before putting it near your lid.

This is what I'm diggin' right now...

First I use Maybelline New York XXL Pro Curl Washable Mascara.  It has two sides: Side one coats and curls lashes.  Side 2 is pigmented and provides 12 hour hold

Then I apply Maybelline New York Volum'Express "Falsies" Mascara.  It has a "spoon" brush that really grabs, lifts, and separates the lashes.  This adds great volume.  I am CRAZY for this mascara!!

Then I use Maybelline New York Lash Stiletto Voluptuous Waterproof Mascara.  This adds bold length.

Finally... and the newest addition to my technique is L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion Waterproof Mascara.  This grabs the hard to reach lashes at the inner and outer corners.

*I always purchase "black" "very black" or "blackest black" when it comes to my mascara.

I do one eye at a time and allow very little time between coats.  Applying wet mascara over dry can cause clumping or flaking.  This is true with any mascara, and even if you are only using one kind. 

The result is a nice fan... bold, voluminous and long.  Running a liner along the lash line can really create the illusion of fullness.  In the picture above I am using Maybelline New York Lasting Drama gel liner.

When it comes to taking off my eye makeup, I like to choose eye makeup removers that "condition" lashes.  I use L'Oreal Paris Dermo-Expertise Eye Makeup Remover.  It removes waterproof makeup and conditions lashes.  It's very gentle and does a great job removing even the most stubborn eye makeup.  Give it a good shake before use... the forumla does separate out.


Prices (May vary by store/location):
Maybelline XXL Pro Curl Washable Mascara $8.99
Maybelline New York Lash Stiletto Voluptuous Waterproof Mascara $9.99
Maybelline New York Volum'Express "Falsies" Mascara $8.99
L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion Waterproof Mascara $9.99
L'Oreal Paris Dermo-Expertise Eye Makeup Remover $5.97

A natural beauty

Covergirl has created a new "luxury line" of makeup called Natureluxe, and it is brand new to stores.  The idea behind it is to switch out some of the more synthetic ingredient in make up with more natural ones, while keeping the affordable drugstore price.  So far the line only includes a foundation and a "gloss balm".

NEW Covergirl NatureLuxe Collection: Natureluxe Gloss Balm $7.49

"Get the sheer color and shine of a gloss with the soft, lightweight feel of SPF 15 balm. Fortified with mango and shea butter, this feel-good formula leaves your lips feeling decadent and delicious."

• Fusion of a gloss and a balm
• Sheer gloss color with moisturization and a hint of shine
• Light, silky application and finish that isn’t heavy or sticky
• Emollients penetrate the outer lip layers and work with the lips’ natural barrier to moisturize, leaving lips soft and supple
• Added benefit of SPF 15 protects lips from the sun

205 Tulip

255 Marble

I purchased 2 shades of gloss balm from this line today... Shade 255 "marble" and 205 "tulip".  I really, really liked it. <3 The marble has barely-there color, but the tulip has a bit more pigment.  Lightweight, sheer, slight flash of color... very natural looking, with a slightly dewy finish.  Not heavy or sticky like a gloss.  The formula is very nourishing and it has a very nice texture.  Leaves you looking polished and finished without that made up look.  And can I just say that the smell is really nice?  Light and fruity, like a smoothie.  It's available in 16 shades and I plan on testing out a bunch of them.

Another plus is that its packaging contains bioresin, which is an eco-friendly bio-degradeable plastic derived from sugarcane.  The line isn’t packaged with 100% bioresin, it's still a huge step for a drugstore brand to take.

What is truely awesome is that even with 40 mph winter winds whipping my hair around my face, my hair wasn't stuck to my lips when I got in my car.  Phenomenal. 

AND totally affordable at $7.49.

What more could you ask for?

Open my eyes, L'Oreal!

L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion Waterproof Mascara Blackest Black $9.99

The Claim:
Thicken and lengthen every lash
unique spherical brush reaches 100% of lashes from every angle for a dramatic, fanned out affect
wears all day without smudging or flaking

I'm a mascara layer-er.  A lot of times I layer several different brands/types of mascara to achieve my desired lash-look.  Probably a year ago I bought an issue of Nylon that said this product was fabulous for those pesky inner and outer lashes.  I've read a lot of bad reviews and then some good reviews... I don't know why it has taken me this long to check it out for myself, (...maybe the price point, 10 dolla) but I finally gave in and bought a tube.

This product has a super cute ball-like wand (kind of like an irritated hedgehog) instead of brush makes it easier to reach those lashes at the inner and outer corners.  I have to say, I found lashes with this wand that I didn't even know had existed.  I cannot believe how nice my eyelashes fan with this great little tool.  It's pretty damn good for the bottom lashes too.

I think if you are unfamiliar with this wand, it may take a little mastering.  I would, without hesitation say that this mascara is probably not too great on its own either.  You would want to pair it with your everyday mascara as I did.

Also, multiple coats of this stuff would probably produces disastrous results.  I noticed in my slight application that the formula does clump a bit... apply one coat with a light hand and you should be golden.  It would probably be beneficial to give the applicator the occasional rinse to avoiding the whole... clumping issue.  (Sorry L'Oreal... clump less claim out the window).

Overall...
I would say if you're a lash-enthusiast, as I am, that you should own this product.  I'm a little disappointed that it took me this long to purchase.  The formula does has a bit of a tendency to clump... this is easily avoided with a light hand and one application.  It's not too fabulous for all your lashes, but totally awesome for reaching those inner and outer corners.  I say thumbs up.

In life... there are many disappointments. This is one of them.

I was excited to try Covergirl's NEW line of lipcolor... Covergirl Lip Perfection Lipstick.  It's supposed to be some ground-breaking new lipstick that infuses "silk protein" with beautiful, rich color to "sustain moisture levels" and improve the look and feel of your lips with just 7 days of wear.  A lipstick that makes your lips more beautiful with every wear?  Yes, please.

I picked up shade 280 "rapture" today for $7.99. 

I HATED this lipstick.  Couldn't wait to get it off my lips.  The formula went on smoothly, but once it was on, it felt... GRITTY.  Not nice at all.  Also, the color really was not true.  On the end of each tube is a visual "sample" of what the color looks like; "rapture" looked so pretty on the tube, an awesome coral.  However, once on my lips... it just looked cheap.  It had a funny sheen to it that was just not attractive on me at all.  As for the claim that it improves the look and feel of your lips with just 7 days of wear, I'll never know. Soooooo disappointed, Covergirl. 

And I'll be honest, I really don't like its packaging either.  Looks like a weird little purple square bullet.

Thumbs down. :(

“The eyes have one language everywhere”

I am in love with Maybelline New York's Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner. ($9.99)  This eyeliner is an oil-free formula that has a highly concentrated pigments in a clear gel base.  The application is smooth and the formula has a nice texture.  The color is intense and long lasting and dries quickly for a smudge proof finish.  Maybelline claims that the formula resists wear for 24 hours, but to be honest I've never let it go that long. 

It comes in a little tub with a twist off cap and has a little brush applicator.  The bristles on the brush are tapered, lay flat and are densely packed.  You have a lot of control when it comes to the precision and the thickness of the lines.

It comes in four colors: Black, Brown, Grey, and Plum.  I've only tried the black, but I am dying to try the plum!

I love that you can adjust the level of intensity of this eyeliner.  You apply it by dipping the tip into the gel and wiping off the excess on the rim of the jar.  For a natural look where you just want a little definition, do small strokes and glide liner across the lash line; it has a nice matte finish.  You can also amp up the intensity by first defining and then continuing to build the line until your desired look is achieved.  For a little bit of vintage pin up sexiness, you can wing the liner out towards the brow.

Be sure to keep the brush clean by wiping your brush with a dry piece of tissue!

The application itself can take a few tries to fully master and it's definitely a tool that that requires a steady hand.  However, once you get the hang of it, it really does look great.

“A man had given all other bliss, And all his worldly worth for this, To waste his whole heart in one kiss Upon her perfect lips”

I received a coupon in the mail for L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Anti-Aging Serum...It's a take off from their original long-lasting Colour Riche formula.

The claim:
Rich, creamy L'Oreal lip color with an anti-aging serum that's enhanced with L'Oreal's "exclusive anti-aging serum, including ProXalyn, Collagen and other powerful ingredients"

It's supposed to:
Improve definition
Fill surface lines
Create fuller looking lips
Easy, precise application

I purchased L'oreal Paris Colour Riche Anti-Aging Serum No. 401 Peach Parfait

I really love this color, actually I had a tough time picking what color I wanted there were so many (16 to be exact)... killer shades.  The color did come out a bit lighter and more sheer than anticipated, but it still looked great.  It feels great on my lips, the light formula left my lips smooth and moisturized.  The color did not feather and I didn't constantly need to reapply.  The only thing I really didn't like about this lip color was that it had a funny, oily smell... I think that is a result of L'Oreals "exclusive anti-aging serum".  I did put it on over my Bert's Bees chappy and the peppermint oil neutralized any offensive odor.

Pros:
Doesn't feather
Feels great! Light, non-drying formula
Smooth lips
Doesn't need constant reapplication

Cons:
SMELL!
Price point a little high for a drug store brand... 10 bucks, friends.

Overall, a great everyday lipstick.  Just a hint of color, non drying and long lasting.  I would definitely buy more shades, but due to the price, I would probably wait for a sale or a coupon.

I can dig it. =)

Bat those lashes, ladies

I'm always on the hunt for mascaras that will give me long foxy lashes but also a bit of thickness.  I recently tried Maybelline New York's Lash Stiletto Voluptuous Waterproof Mascara in Very Black  ($8.99).  This is a take off of their first version the "Lash Stiletto".  To be honest, I had tried the first, but I don't think I ever finished the tube.  (It's a rarity that I find a mascara that I finish, never mind buy a second tube of!)

Here are the claims:

1. The applicator is a "dual action" brush that lengthens while it thickens.

2. It's waterproof rich creamy formula gives you a sleek finish; no clumping or flaking.

3. Buildable... apply layers until desired look is reached

Here's my take on it:
I like it.  It's not my favorite, but I like it.  It has a sexy little tube, and its curious little curved applicator really does reach every lash.  It gave me a nice fanned out look, without clumping (HUGE! plus).  It really did have nice staying power, and it did not flake or smudge through my 12 hour, less-than-a-week-before-Christmas work shift.  Although it fans nicely, the formula does nothing for a curl, so I'd definitely make sure to use your handy-dandy lash curler before application for a nice wide-eyed look.  Also, I'd say that it lengthens more than it thickens... you really have to apply it heavily for thickness.  (TIP:  If you want thickness, don't let the coats dry between applications or you will experience a clumpy mess... this is true for almost every mascara).

“For you who love to flirt with fire … who dare to skate on thin ice.”

"What is the American girl made of? Sugar and spice and everything nice? Not since the days of the Gibson Girl! There's a new American beauty. . . she's tease and temptress, siren and gamin, dynamic and demure. Men find her slightly, delightfully baffling. Sometimes a little maddening. Yet they admit she's easily the most exciting woman in all the world! She's the 1952 American beauty, with a foolproof formula for melting the male! She's the 'Fire and Ice' girl. (Are you?)"

In 1952, Revlon released its iconic color collection Fire and Ice... a bold red for nails and lips.  One of the world's first supermodels, a woman by the name of Dorian Leigh, appeared in this now legendary Fire and Ice ad shot by Richard Avedon.

Well Revlon brought it back.  ...And how could I pass this up, Revlon's legendary red in vintage tube with the original logo?  It's just one of those things that's nice to have.  What can I say, I'm weak.

REVLON SUPER LUSTROUS LIPSTICK "FIRE AND ICE": Limited Edition

 This limited edition lippy is super cute in its vintage-inspired gold and silver lipstick tube!  Every girl needs a tube of red lipstick in their make up bag.  Effortless glam.  Besides...It just somehow seems more authentic this way.  :)

Total plus:  The Super Lustrous formula is very moisturizing and long lasting.  It goes on smooth right from the tube or you can apply a light touch over a balm with your fingertip or a small sponge tip applicator for a sheer look.  Either way you'll look fabulous.

"Pink is my new obsession..."

Another totally a killer pink lip color is L'Oreal HIP (High Intensity Pigments) Shine struck liquid lipcolor in 660 Euphoric ($12.99 ...a little pricey, I know)

Bittersweet... I'd been eyeing this color for a while, but was disuaded by the price point.  It looked so pink an sparkley in the bottle.  I ended up buying it on sale for 75% off... unfortunately my CVS is not going to be carrying the Shine Struck liquid lipcolor anymore. :( I have totally fallen in love with this product.  I actually went back and bought a few more of the same shade!!  Light and highly pigmented.  It really does have a beautiful shiney, yet soft color, Its a great look for day, but I would definitely layer it over pink lipstick for a bolder look at night.  It also has a soft, sweet smell that reminds me of vanilla cupcakes.  Great find.  Anyways, if your local drug store isn't going to be carrying it anymore, you can still buy it online!

"You could be my flamingo, 'cause pink is the new kind of lingo..."

We're back on the pink lip kick...

I would like to share with you, my readers, my terrific find!  Revlon Moon Drops Lipsticks 590 "Lilac Champagne" ($8.99).  I'm a little confused as to why they call it lilac champagne because there is definitely no hint of lilac.  I'm not usually a lipstick girl, but I love, Love, LOVE this lipstick.  Bold and beautiful, a totally awesome Barbie-pink color.  It is a cream based lipstick that's smooth and silky, refreshingly nondrying... Not to mention, great, long lasting coverage!!  I'm totally stoked to have discovered this killer shade in such an awesome formula. 

So, when I bought the lipstick, CVS was doing one of their "Extra Bucks" Sales (Buy 2 Revlon Products, get 5 Extra Bucks)... hence, I bought a second pink lipcolor from Revlon.

I had never tried anything from Revlon's ColorStay Mineral Lipglaze so I decided to give it a chance and bought shade 532 "Lilac" ($8.99).  Once again, I'm totally unsure why it's called lilac, not a purple or blue tone in sight.  But anyways, I digress.  This product was such an epic fail.  I was so excited about buying it, but it was an absolute disappointment.  It looked so pretty and pigmented in the bottle with just a little bit of sparkle, but when I put it on, the color was very matte and didn't look anything like what was in the bottle.  The coverage was terrible.  I tried to add more on my lips, but it just looked bogus.  The formula was kinda sticky and gross, I really couldn't stand it on my lips.  To add insult to injury, it was smelly.  Pretty unpleasant for something that sits (anatomy lesson!) right under the nose.  Yuck!  What a strange concoction... not enough coverage to pass as a lipstick, not glossy enough to pass as a gloss.  At least it had a cute little bottle.  Thank GOD for CVS's 100% beauty guarantee return policy or I'd be out 9 bucks.

Pink it's my new obsession

Yeah, pink it's not even a question,

Pink on the lips of your lover, 'cause

Pink is the love you discover"

-Aerosmith

My search for the perfect hot pink lips.

I have to admit it... I am loving hot pink lips right now.  Big fan.

I don't know what possessed me to really like pink lips all of a sudden, but I recently got a hankering to discover my own perfect pair.  Since all the cool kids are talking about lipstains, I decided to give into peer pressure and take on this challenge pairing stains with glosses (I like a little shine in my life).  Here are my findings.

Attempt #1

Maybelline New York COLORsensational Lip Stain in Shade 10 "Wink of Pink" ($7.49) with

Maybelline New York SHINEsensational (what a mouth full) in Shade 20 "Treat Me Sweet". ($5.99)

The stain had a super easy application but it wasn't as exact as I would have liked it to be because it was a little wetter upon application.  It had decent staying power, but man, that color was not what I expected it to be!  I probably wouldn't wear this without the gloss over it.  I totally loved the gloss, times like, a thousand.  It wasn't too shiney with just a touch a sparkle.  Not too sticky compared to some other glosses I've tried and it definitely lasts.  It absolutely redeems the off color of the stain AND smells like pink jelly beans.  (Can I just say, awesome.)

Shade 10 "Wink of Pink"

Shade 20 "Treat Me Sweet

 Overall: Pretty, but not as bold as I'd like.  Think: Work day appropriate

Attempt #2

CoverGirl Outlast Lip Stain in Shade 400 "Everbloom Kiss" ($8.99) with CoverGirl Shineblast Lipgloss Shade 840 "Sparkler".  ($8.99)
The stain had very exact application, and the color pretty close to what I expected (always good.).  I LOVE this by itself, but it looks nice with a gloss too.  The color stays for a long time.  The Shineblast Lipgloss is pretty spectacular.  I love its applicator, curves nicely right to the lip.  It has a nice flush of color, a touch of sparkle, and compliments the lipstain nicely.

 Shade 400 "Everbloom Kiss"

 Shade 840 "Sparkler". 

Overall: Very subtle, not exactly the intensity I'm looking for in this study.  Think: Paired with a Smokey Eye

Attempt #3

Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm "Passion" ($8.99) with Revlon Super Lustrous lipgloss Shade 180 "Pink Pop" ($4.99)

Can I just say I'm in love with this pairing?  The stain is a slightly different shade than expected, but I do like it.  I probably wouldn't wear it on its own, but under the gloss is gorgeous.  The balm is a nice touch, as lip stains can be a tad drying.  I will say that the placement of the blam is stupid.  It's just kinda stuck to the end and I'm pretty sure it's just a matter of time before I accidentally break it right off.  I've read a lot of complaints about uneven coverage and such, but I always put it under the Super Lustrous lipgloss so I haven't really noticed.  The Lipgloss is a super glossy formular with a gorgeous color and a hint of sparkle.  It is intensely moisturizing, has a nice texture, and it isn't even really sticky.  Brightens my complexion right up.  Without the stain, it gives you an excellent flash of pink color.

Lipstain + Balm "Passion"

 lipgloss Shade 180 "Pink Pop"

Overall: Perfect bold pink lips.  :) Results were exactly what I wanted, something similar to a Barbie pink.  Beautiful. 

The results:
Revlon For the Win

CoverGirl Runner Up

Maybelline fell a little short

Ode to Black Nail Polish

I love black polish.

Defiant, confident... and it's super hot this fall.

Maybe it's the punk rocker in me that never quite disappeared after high school, but I think that there is something bold and sheek (if done correctly) about the shade that just has this incredible staying power.  Even the people of ancient China recognized that there was something special about the shade.  Jet-black nails signified royality and wealth.

Orly "Liquid Vinyl"

My favorite black polish is called "Liquid Vinyl" from Orly ($6.99 a bottle).  I usually do 2 thin coats and then a coat of Orly's "Top 2 Bottom" clean nail lacquer.  The results are beautiful and shiny, and stay that way till you take it off.  To boot, it doesn't chip the way most black polishes out there do.  I love this polish.  I have so many of Orly's colors at home I could open my own nail salon.



Revlon "Lunar"

I'm going to use this opportunity to express my sincere disappointment over a polish I purchased because it was "on sale".  Revlon's Nail Enamel in "Lunar".  The product is super cheesy.  It retails at a whopping $4.99, which is rediculous considering you could get the same results from a $.99 bottle of Wet'n Wild.  I put this on the same way I always put on my polish, 2 thin coats and a clear top coat.  First of all, the consistency is super thin and watery and had poor coverage.  When I applied the additional coat, it looked alright, but the polish just wouldn't set.  My nails stayed wet forever and when I went to bed 4 hours later, apparently it still wasn't fully dry because I woke up with blanket marks in my manicure.  The color starting chipping as soon as I started working the next day.  I was so mad I bought a cheap bottle of maybelline polish on my lunch break in an attempt to redeem my nails.  What a mess and absolute waste of money...

Black nail polish is one of those things where you get what you pay for.  If you wanna do black nails right, pay the extra couple of bucks and get a polish that looks fabulous and has staying power.

A couple of tips to keep you from looking like an angsty 13 year old:
Keep your nails short.  Black nails (or any super dark color) should be roughly the length of your finger tip.  A rounded off square tip is best.
Keep the jewelry SIMPLE.  Your nails are a bold enough accessory

Keep everthing else neutral.  Dark outfits or dramatic makeup can make you look a little vampy or like a brooding poet (unless that's the look you're going for, in that case, rock on.)



Very dark nail polish attracts attention and requires a bit of confidence. If you don't wanna be noticed, this shade isn't for you.