Product Reviews

L’Oreal’s Telescopic Explosion Mascara Does the Trick

 Product Reviews, telescopic explosion  Comments Off
Oct 092009
 

Honestly, there is a new mascara put on the market about every five seconds, don’t you think? It’s almost impossible to keep up with all of them.

However, one that stands out is the new L’Oreal Telescopic Explosion mascara, and one of the reasons it does is the funky new brush it has – it’s like a spiky ball!

What makes the spiky ball so unique is it’s ability to get to lashes that you didn’t even know you had. Specifically, it does a great job of reaching those inner corner lashes as well as those bottom lashes that are hard to get to. It also does a fantastic job of getting the TOP of your lashes – do you remember to coat the top of your lashes with mascara? Most people don’t.

If you’ve been around the makeup scene, you’ll know this isn’t necessarily a new concept. Givenchy did this earlier in the year with their Phenomen Eyes mascara, although I never got a chance to lay my hands on that one.

However, the L’Oreal version will be available in just about every mass retailer in November, and the suggested price of $9.99 certainly won’t break the bank. It delivers amazing volume, doesn’t clump, and the formula lasts – no smearing, smudging, or otherwise encouraging that racoon eye look by the end of the day.

It certainly satisfies my volume requirement for mascara. Above, I’m wearing the Telescopic Explosion in black with two coats applied rapidly as I was getting ready for work.

There is a bit of a learning curve with the spiky ball applicator, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly. I highly recommend at least playing around with this mascara – it may become one of your go-to items. It certainly has for me.

Seven Days of Mascara: L’Oreal Paris Extra Volume Collagen Mascara

 Product Reviews, seven days of mascara  1 Response »
Aug 062009
 

L’Oreal has yet another new mascara, which claims to be their biggest volume builder. I think L’Oreal has a good solid line of mascaras at excellent price points, so I was eager to try L’Oreal Extra Volume Collagen Washable Mascara out, especially after all the goopy messes I’ve been dealing with lately.

According to the company, the brush is 50% bigger than their other mascara wands and is made with hydra-collagen which can enhance your lash thickness up to 12 times.

The brush is a standard spooly brush, and it is larger than your typical brush. It’s nothing exceptional, however, and I’m not seeing anything that is unique or different at first glance.


So far, so good. No mess, no dripping mascara wand. Application was easy, I snapped a photo after my typical three coats.
All in all, it’s a nice, easy to use mascara. It’s not bringing anything new or special to the table, but really, is that a bad thing? What good is a cool new wand if you can’t use it because it’s all gooped up with product? At least this simple wand applied the simple product without a whole lot of fuss. The wear was excellent – no flaking or smudging even though I caught myself rubbing my allergy-ridden eyes a few times.

You can find this one at most mass retail outlets. It is also at Amazon for $6.49.

Seven Days of Mascara: Rimmel Glam’Eyes Mascara

 Product Reviews, rimmel, seven days of mascara  2 Responses »
Jul 272009
 

I grabbed Glam’Eyes Mascara by Rimmel for about $7 when I realized, while walking through the Target beauty section, that I had never tried a Rimmel mascara. After checking them all out, I chose the one that promised me 10X the volume!! of regular mascaras.

I didn’t like it at first. My first impression of it was that it really didn’t do much in the way of volume at all. But I kept reaching for it. Now, about two weeks later, I’m kind of digging it.

The brush is one of the newfangled plastic/silicone ones. It’s thin and flexible, and you can work it. Normally I like old style spoolie brushes, but this one isn’t half bad. Also, the formula is buildable. You can really build up some amazing lashes if you’re willing to let each coat dry and be patient.

Frankly, I can get better lashes in one coat with my favorite, Diorshow, but if you don’t want to spend much money on a drugstore mascara, and don’t require super volume, and don’t mind the learning curve, then this mascara might be right up your alley.

Bonus points for the cute pink and black boudoir packaging, though. Super cute.

Seven Days of Mascara: Better Than Waterproof Mascara by Cargo

 Cargo, Product Reviews, seven days of mascara  Comments Off
Jul 262009
 

Today was a beach day, so my routine this morning was pretty easy. I slathered on a bunch of Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment on my locks, put a bun in, threw on a scarf, washed my face, threw the SPF on there, and reached for my Better Than Waterproof Mascara by Cargo.

Why? Because it lasts. Forever. Through the beach, the shower afterward, and just about anything else you can throw at it. The best part? It’s actually a really good mascara! It goes on easily, it does not clump up at all, and has some excellent volumizing properties for a mascara that lasts so long.

Cargo claims that it will come off with gentle pressure and some warm water, but since I wear contacts, I’m hesitant to put gentle pressure on my eyes at all. However, it comes off just fine with my eye makeup remover, and doesn’t make a mess while you’re doing it.

While I wouldn’t grab it for a night out on the town, mostly because I’m usually sporting some falsies, this is my gold standard for any active days I have and need to know that my mascara isn’t going to make a mess on my face.

Grab it at Cargo.com or Sephora for $20. You won’t be sorry.

Seven Days of Mascara: Maybelline New York Pulse Perfection

 Product Reviews, things that vibrate  2 Responses »
Jul 252009
 

It’s been said, mostly by me, that vibrating things are a girls best friend. And there are lots of things that vibrate these days, from an Apple iPhone app to mascara. I’ll leave the thoughts on various vibrating items to others, and just focus on what I know best: mascara.

I consider myself a mascara expert. I’ve played with just about every mascara out there, and have very strong opinions about them all. I believe that a woman should have gallons on before she leaves the house, that volumizing mascaras are the best, and waterproof mascara is truly a gift from the gods. I’ve written before on choosing the best mascara for you, and that’s why I’m bringing you Seven Days of Mascara this week. I’ve been trying out some new brands and want to share my finds, good and bad.

Back to vibrations. Maybelline New York is the first mass brand to introduce a vibrating wand. Unlike others on the prestige market, Maybelline has you push a button when applying the product. I’m assuming this is to make sure the life of the battery lasts as long as the product. If there is any other reason, I’m unaware of it.

So what do I think of it? I think it’s Lash Stiletto with a vibrating wand. I really don’t know if the vibration brings anything to the table. I mean, it’s a great idea, but I personally didn’t see any difference at all in the eye with Pulse Perfection and the eye with Lash Stiletto. It’s a great basic mascara, the cheapest one on the market if you’re into the vibrating thing, and great for length. If you’re like me, though, and want some major volume, you’ll probably be disappointed.

One saving grace: I discovered that if I used Pulse Perfection (or Lash Stiletto) as a base for my volumizing mascara, it looked fantastic. Just FYI – there is a use for everything!

Special props to my girl @eccentricpuzzle on Twitter who suggested that I put my own twist on the vibrating mascara phenomenon. I see she’s from Missouri, too. Us Missouri girls are crazy, let me tell you!

Now, do share in the comments your favorite vibrating thing! If it’s not mascara, what is it? Nosy girlfriends are just dying to know!
Edited to add this photo of me sporting it.

Ten Minutes in Heaven: Caress Evenly Gorgeous Exfoliating Body Wash

 bath and body, Body Wash, Caress, Product Reviews, skin care  1 Response »
Jul 232009
 

I can remember singing the Caress jingle as a kid. “Before you dress, Caress.” What can I say? I was a child of the 80′s, when it was hip and cool to watch tv and be able to sing all, or at least most all, commercial jingles. I recently had the fantastic privilege of trying the Caress Evenly Gorgeous Exfoliating Body Wash and Beauty Bar with burnt brown sugar and karite butter. I have to admit. I was a skeptic at first. I am a bar-of-soap kinda girl. I have always loved a bar of Oil of Olay or Dove, eventhough they might be old-school and boring products that were revolutionary in their time of creation but sadly are commonly replaced by these new body washes and shower gels. Poor old bar of soap.

I must describe my first experience with this wash to you because it was that amazing. It had been a long day. I had just put my girls to bed and managed to distract my husband long enough to take a hot shower with no interruptions. Yes, I did. I enjoy my showers to be almost scalding, simply because it seems to melt away the stress from the day (Or sometimes leave angry red marks all over because I might’ve been a tad over-zealous with the rising temp.) Regardless, private hot showers are my zen. They are my favorite, and sometimes only, way to recieve a moment with no noise but water and no smells but my soap. Insert C.E.G.E.B.W. and the rush of emotion begins!

At first, I’m hungry. Ha! Serious, though. It smells like brown sugar and butter GOODNESS. So good, in fact, I made a quick run to 7-11 to cure my sweet tooth. Since this wash never makes any promises of hunger cravings, I attribute my “Snickers Moment” to low blood sugar. It happens. SO…we left our beautiful seductress (Because I am) in the steaming, hot shower, tonguing the shower wall in hopes of catching some of the brown sugar bubbles sliding down. Okay, not really. But I was enjoying my discovery of body wash bliss. The brown sugar granules are small enough that they don’t sandpaper 3 layers of skin off but large enough that you feel a smooth difference when you step out of the shower. Like I said before, I’ve never been a fan of body wash or shower gel. I am a softie for a good ol’ bar of soap. But this wash, I could and will use again. My biggest turn off is how slimy and thick most washes I’ve used have felt. This one, not so much. Thick enough you feel like you’re lathering it up, but no sticky or filmy leftovers. I got out of the shower hungry, smooth and smelling of baked goods!

I asked my husband if he had seen that I was using a new body wash and he said, “Yeah. I used it. Smells really good.” So C.E.G.E.B.W. has also gotten a strong thumbs-up from a dude, which in my book, counts twice. I decided to use the beauty bar just for hands at my sink. My hands have been silky and moisturized for the past week. The bar leaves a light scent of sweet on your hands, one that lingers throughout the day. I was extremely impressed and excited about these two new products. The body wash (18 oz) retails for $4.49 which is incredibly reasonable. The beauty bar comes in a pack of two, $2.99; pack of four, $4.49; pack of six, 6.49; and a pack of eight, $7.99. Check ‘em out at CaressYourStyle.com. These products have my seal of approval and have made a future user out of me. Will I give up my old school bar for a wash? Probably not. But I’ll be using the wash more frequently now, whenever I get those 10 minutes of freedom, or maybe when I’m craving something sweet.

Girlie Nails by Fing’rs Gives the Budding Beauty Junkie Practice

 acrylics, Fingrs, Girlie Nails, Product Reviews  2 Responses »
Jul 142009
 

My daughter loves nothing more than to go with me and get her nails and toes done. Thank goodness my nail tech loves her and indulges her with whatever she wants, or else I’d have some problems. But one thing I’ve obviously never let her do (she’s 6!) is put on acrylic nails. This is as problematic to her as my refusal to pierce her ears, so imagine how thrilled she was to get her hands on Girlie Nails!

These are similar to the Lee Press On Nails that we played with in the 80s. The concept is absolutely the same, the only difference being is that these are for girls, and are sized accordingly. Some of these little nails were so tiny, I had a hard time keeping ahold of them! However, they were super easy to press on, and my daughter just thought they were marvelous. I’m sure I felt that way about my Lee Press Ons, too.

However, if you’re looking for longevity, you aren’t going to find it. They are cute and fun, but like the Lee Nails of yore, they don’t stay on worth a darn. Especially on a six year old who loves to go to the beach. I’m told that they also “stick to your hair,” and “they fall off sometimes.”

That doesn’t mean that we won’t be buying them again, though. Oh, no. I’m sure we will go through many packs of these before the tween years are done. And to think that I’m only just beginning. Fun. No, really. Super fun.

Girlie Nails are available at mass retailers, drug chains, and discount stores nationwide. I found mine at Rite-Aid and Walgreens. Visit the website at Girlie Nails to see some of the cute styles, including the ones above that actually change color in the sun, which was a huge deal in our house.

L’Oreal HiP High Intensity Pigments Color Presso is a Decent Gloss in Weird Packaging.

 Lip Gloss, Product Reviews  Comments Off
Jun 272009
 

I think this is a pretty ingenious product – the ability to take two colors to blend on the lips, or just the ability to carry them together is pretty sweet.

However, it looks much cooler than it actually is. It took me near five minutes just to figure out how to open the cap, and another two minutes to figure out how to get the product out. There is a trick to it – you can’t just apply it and go at first.

The gloss is nicely pigmented, but after using it, I wasn’t really sure what the benefit was of having two lipglosses to blend. It get it with heavier lip color, but it almost seems like overkill with the gloss. However, the gloss itself is nicely pigmented, and not sticky at all. I was a little put off by the smell, which reminded me of an overly sweet vanilla cupcake.

Chapstick Shimmer: Nice Shine, Good Moisturizers, but No SPF

 Chapstick, Product Reviews, shimmer  Comments Off
Jun 272009
 

Don’t get me wrong, I do love me some Chapstick. In fact, I’m pretty certain that there is a tube of it in my nightstand drawer, my bathroom, and my purse. I’m pretty passionate about not having chapped lips. But as well as it has always worked, it seemed a bit dry, hard to apply if your lips were already chapped and it wasn’t slightly warmed, and flavorless.

But now Chapstick has gotten in the beauty game with a release of some new Chapstick Shimmers. These are much more moist, give your lips a slight bit of shimmer, and have nice scents and just a small touch of flavor. I’m not a huge fan of the berry scents they have available – Botanical Berry and Blended Fruit Sherbert are sitting on my desk almost unused, but the Tropical flavor is right up my alley. Pina Colada scented, this is perfect for all your summer lip balm needs.

The downside? No SPF, which is fail on Chapstick’s part, so keep that in mind when you’re choosing your balm for the day. I personally use mine at night before bed, when I don’t need the SPF protection.

Product Review: 2000 Calorie Extreme Lash Plumper

 Max Factor, Product Reviews  2 Responses »
May 042009
 

I’m all about a volumizing mascara. I have my favorites, but I’m always willing to try a new one just to see if it gives me the thickness that I’m looking for. I just don’t get excited about lengthening formulas, but start talking about volume and you have my complete attention.

I had the opportunity to try the 2000 Calorie Extreme Lash Plumper, and I liked it. The brush is a plastic one that helps build volume, and the black formula is nice and thick without too much clumping.

I could keep talking about it, but I figured that it would be helpful to show some pictures. Here is my lashes in their natural, boring state (and not often seen in public, thankyouverymuch).


Now here they are with three coats of the 2000 Calorie Extreme Lash Plumper:


And here my eyes are open:

I liked the results. I thought it delivered excellent volume, and it was easy to remove with basic non-waterproof eye makeup remover. I would probably pick it up in the waterproof version, because when I’m dealing with allergies, my mascara has a tendency to get messy.

2000 Calorie Extreme Lash Plumper is available at CVS and Ulta, I’m told. It retails for about $9.99.

Marina Cosmetics Creates Gorgeous Summer Shades for Your LIps

 Lip Gloss, Lipstick, Marina Cosmetics, Product Reviews  Comments Off
Apr 302009
 


Gorgeous browns, neturals and bronzes are always popular for summer. I know I tend to go towards shimmering neutrals with a touch of blue in them on my eyes, peachier blushes, and always neutral, shimmery lips. I guess I’m wanting to match that mythical tan that I never have, but those shades always scream “summer!” to me.

I had the opportunity to try some absolutely gorgeous lipsticks and lipglosses from Marina Cosmetics, all of them inspired by the colors of the seashore. The lip gloss above is called Manila Mango, and is my absolute favorite. It’s a heavily pigmented gloss, which is super hard to find, and it goes on without being gummy or sticky.

That could be because of the ingredients. Marina Cosmetics uses all natural ingredients from the sea. Two marine-based ingredients are at the heart of every formulation: Antileukine 6 (derived from golden seaweed) and nutrient-rich sea kelp. Anteleukine 6 is Ecocert certified and offers the best in lip-defense, acting to boost hydration, promote firmness and smoothness, and aid in decreasing wrinkle depth. In addition, it also helps to stimulate collagen synthesis, block inflammation, and prevent damage due to sun exposure. Organic sea kelp, which is high in silicon, offers vitamins and minerals to the lips, while helping to restore firmness and tone, prevent wrinkles, and promote softer, smoother, younger looking lips. Other ingredients include Buriti Oil, certified organic Jojoba oil, certified organic sunflower oil, as well as vitamin C and E.

Marina Cosmetics are available online. Lipsticks retail at $20.00 and lip glosses retail for $22.00. I can’t recommend them enough – they are gorgeous shades, last a long time, feel fantastic on the lips, and are eco-friendly.

Product Review: Max Factor Vivid Impact Lip Color

 Lipstick, Max Factor, Product Reviews, vivid impact  Comments Off
Apr 302009
 

I had the opportunity to try out the Max Factor Vivid Impact lip color recently, and now I must rave.

I’ve gotten a bit disenchanted with drugstore brand lipsticks recently, because it seems as if I am forever layering it and trying to get the level of pigmentation that I am used to with my MAC lipsticks. While it may not be fair to compare lower end brands with MAC, I’m always looking for a bargain, and in the Max Factor Vivid Impact I think I’ve found it.

I tried #28, Rose Rage. It’s a nice mauve, nothing terribly special, and not really something that I would have picked out myself. However, that being said, I’ve discovered that it makes a really great everyday lipstick, one that works perfect with a nude or natural face. Putting it on is very easy – it glides right on and provides lots of moisture. In fact, it feels similar to one of my favorite lip balms that I’m putting on all the time! I’m not used to lipstick that gives that much hydration, so that is a bonus. Plus, the color is beautiful, pigmented, and lasts for quite some time. While I wouldn’t classify this lipstick as long-wearing, I figure if I’m going to be putting lip balm on all the time, it wouldn’t hurt to put a nice color on instead.

Here is a quick photo of me rocking the Rose Rage:


While I can’t find any Max Factor products in my area, I’m told that you can find it at Ulta and CVS. They retail for about $9, which is well worth it.

Product Review: L’Oreal Elnett Hairspray

 Product Reviews, styling, styling aid  Comments Off
Apr 132009
 

Everyone was all abuzz about the arrival (finally!) of the cult-favorite Elnett hairspray by L’Oreal. Long been a favorite of Europeans and stylists the world over, you can now pick up a can at Target, of all places.

Needless to say, in the interest of blogging (and because I can’t really help myself) I grabbed a can and began spraying. Not right away, of course, but the next time I did my hair.

I do a great deal of things to my hair. Recently, I’ve been setting it in velcro rollers while it’s still damp and letting it dry. I’ve also been using hot rollers to get some volume and curl in there. And occasionally, I’ll still flat-iron the living daylights out of it. And with every style I’ve done, this hairspray brings the magic.

What is so great and different about it is that you can brush through your hair, make it smooth, and it’s still there. Absolutely no “crunch” to your hair at all, and my fellow 80′s ladies know EXACTLY what I’m talking about when I mention crunch, yes? Holds all day, and can even hold updos without a problem at all.

If I had to come up with a downside, it would be the scent. It’s not my favorite, but I could care less. It’s the best can of hairspray I’ve ever laid my hands on.

Grab yours at Target for about $14.99.

Product Review: Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist

 Jurlique, Product Reviews  Comments Off
Mar 202009
 


I have been traveling a lot lately. It’s been great fun and I love it, but it always seems to take a toll on my skin. Even though I consider my skin exceptionally oily, a few hours spent on an airplane can dry it up like crazy.

When I had an opportunity to try the Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist, I jumped on it. I figured it could tuck the little bottle into my carry-on and use it if my skin started acting funny.

Sure enough, one flight in, my skin felt dull and dry. A quick spray of the Jurlique gave it instant moisture, but not so much that it felt overly moist or greasy.

Would I purchase it? Absolutely. I don’t plan to be without it the next time I’m on a plane.

From $21 at Jurlique.com. Also at Sephora.

Product Review: Maybelline New York Lash Stiletto

 Product Reviews  1 Response »
Mar 122009
 

Everyone is getting in on the newfangled mascara craze, aren’t they? There are so many new mascaras being released lately that even a true fanatic like me can’t keep up.

I’m one of those people who think that your mascara makes or breaks your look. I’m also one of those people who slather on a pint of inky black mascara before ever thinking of leaving the house – the more, the better, as long as it’s good stuff and well applied.

What I love about Lash Stiletto: The brush isn’t plastic! I’m tired of plastic or silicone brushes. I want the old fashioned spooley brushes that gave me tons of product on each swipe. I don’t mind combing out the clumps, if there are any. The packaging is super cute. The smell is pleasant – some sort of fragrance is in it, but I can’t put my finger on exactly what it is. Amazing lengthening properties. If you’re looking for length, this is the mascara for you. The price is absolutely right – you’ll only pay about $7.50 at a local drugstore for this one.

What I don’t love about Lash Stiletto: It doesn’t do a thing for volume. Amazing lengths, but not so much in the volume department. However, this isn’t billed as a volumizing mascara, but don’t make the mistake of thinking that you’ll get some volume out of it. You won’t. You will, however, get amazing long, skinny lashes.

Read more about chosing the right mascara for you with my “Of Course I Can Help You Choose a Mascara” article.

Read more Lash Stiletto reviews at Total Beauty.

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