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Mascara Junkie: More Reviews

As we all know, I am a mascara junkie. I have now come to buying multiple mascaras at a time, even when I still have five perfectly respectable wands in my makeup bag. As was the case a few weeks ago, when I bought Maybelline Big Lash and Maybelline Falsies. I bought the Falsies based off a raving recommendation, and decided to try the Big Lash not only because it was on sale, but because the pink and green Maybelline mascara had been a fave of mine when I first started wearing makeup. I was hoping this revamped version would be even better.
The Big Lash was a disappointment to me. I bought the blackest black shade, and while they do indeed make my eyelashes midnight black, it doesn’t do anything for length or volume. My lashes just look like really black stumps. It seems to wear off fairly easily too throughout the day. By the time bedtime comes and I am preparing to remove my makeup, I barely have to swipe at my eyelashes to remove the mascara. I would pass on this one. I give it 2 stars.
But the good news- I really enjoyed the Falsies! This mascara comes with a “spoon brush” which is a really flexible wand that I think works great on getting all my lashes and giving them a great curve. I thought it gave good length, not as much volume, but it is able to create a fairly decent dramatic look. It doesn’t stack up to some of my favorite mascaras, but I still enjoy using it. I saw some other reviews complaining about flaking and clumping, but I haven’t had any of those problems. And it stays on throughout the day and night, so I don’t have to worry about reapplying like I do with the Big Lash mascara. The Falsies get 3.5 stars.

Too Faced Lash Injection Mascara Review

I am a big fan of Too Faced Cosmetics, and a mascara junkie, so why wouldn’t I try TF and see what they offered? I chose to try their Lash Injection Mascara, which boasts to make your lashes longer and fuller. The description said the 3D formula builds tubes around the lashes, which I have heard of in other mascaras and had good luck with them. And I thought this mascara worked wonders! I could easily see longer and thicker lashes, and the tubes are easily removed with water or makeup remover. The brush is huge, but I didn’t have any problems getting all my lashes. The odd part- I thought this mascara even smelled good! Has anyone else tried this and thought it had a pleasant odor? All around, I loved this product and would definitely recommend everyone to give it a try. Even if you’re looking for just length or just volume, this mascara will do it all.
Rating: 4.5

My Favorite Product for Frizzy Hair

I have struggled with frizzy hair for most of my adult life (the constant hair dye and highlights might have something to do with that) and I am always searching for the best frizz-free products. I have bought countless shampoos, conditioners, hair sprays, gels, waxes, creams, you name, I have probably bought it. But nothing seems to really help. I was always embarrassed to leave my hair down because of all the frizz, so I would constantly wear ponytails and buns. I decided the more expensive route would be the one take, the expensive products would have to work, right?
I bought the shampoo and conditioner set from Tresemme, under their Smooth and Silky line. I didn’t even use half the bottle of conditioner before I had to throw it away. It was awful! It was impossible to work the conditioner through my hair, so I kept using more and more of the product, which in turn made my hair look and feel greasy. When I would try to comb out my hair after a shower, I kept running into knots, making me pull my hair out in the process. And my hair did not look any sleeker or smoother after use. It almost looked to have more frizz! This conditioner was definitely not the answer, and I was disappointed that I had wasted my money.
Enter Herbal Essences. I love their commercials, but never tried out any of their products. They have catchy packaging and were less expensive than the Tresemme, so I decided to give them a try. And I found a winner! Not only did the conditioner go on easy in the shower, it smelled great and I could comb through my hair without any problems. But the big test- the frizz. My hair is virtually frizz free. I can’t believe it! I have been able to wear my hair down since I started using Herbal Essences and I am so happy. The product I use is None of Your Frizzness, and it is completely worth it. If you have frizzy hair, I would suggest giving Herbal Essences a try.

Beauty Review: Too Faced Primed and Poreless

I have a new favorite beauty brand, Too Faced Cosmetics. Recently, I picked up their Primed and Poreless Face Primer, a little fun gift for myself to try out something new. I have never used a primer before, but have read many good things about the magical powers they can do to one’s face. And let me tell you- I love this product! The directions advise to use a nickel size amount and spread evenly over your face, and it will help smooth skin and banish pores. Too Faced even boasts that this primer will leave skin hydrated and firmer, and make your appearance seem brighter, younger, and fresher. The primer goes on underneath all makeup, foundation, bronzer and concealer included, and helps makeup go on smoother and stay on longer. And I stand by all those qualities! The pores on my cheeks were basically gone, my skin looked smoother and even felt much, much smoother, and my makeup lasted longer throughout the day- even through my workout routine! What really amazed me about this product though it how it covered a scar on my nose. I had my nose pierced for some time in college, and when I removed the ring I got a wonderful bluish scar left in its place. I have not been able to find anything to help conceal the mark, not even Estee Lauders “miracle puddy” that costs $100. But the Primed and Poreless helped fade the color once applied! I couldn’t believe when I looked in the mirror and could barely notice my scar. I definitely recommend this product for anyone who wants to erase pores, smooth skin, and help hide any imperfections. It doesn’t completely conceal acne, so I use a foundation over top, but it really does help make the skin look fresher. At $30, it might seem a little expensive, but I don’t have a problem paying for a product that actually works!

On Trend: Jeggings

Jeggings have been trending for the past few months now, and finally around my parts of Iowa are girls starting to take notice of this new fashion craze. Jeggings, in case there are any of you that are not aware, are jeans/leggings. Think extreme skinny jeans that are worn like leggings but are made with a denim and spandex blend, making them more comfortable than regular jeans. While leggings are typically worn underneath a long shirt or dress, jeggings are worn more like jeans. I have seen girls wearing high waisted jeggings with their tops tucked into them, giving a more fashion forward look. Wearing jeggings either way seems acceptable, and often pairing with stilettos is the popular choice. Would you wear jeggings when you are out and about?

Beauty Review: Too Faced Lip Injection

I recently tried the Too Faced Lip Injection product, and I have finally found a product that does what it promises! This lip gloss says it will give your lips a plumper look- up to 20% fuller lips with only one application. And it worked! When I slicked it for the first time, I felt a tingling sensation after about five minutes, and wondered if that was normal. After checking the website, I found that the tingling is very normal- it means it’s working! The Lip Injections include a Vitamin E Derivative, which increases blood circulation, plumping lips without creepy and costly injections. Lips appear fuller for up to four hours after application, making this my new favorite lip gloss. It is a little costly at $19 a tube, but I think it is worth the money!

Beauty Review: Maybelline Lash Stiletto Mascara/Eye Liner

I am still on the search for my favorite mascara, and I was really hoping that Maybelline’s Lash Stiletto would be the one. I was wrong. This mascara promises longer, thicker lashes with an added bonus of a black-patent shine. Well, I didn’t quite see any of those things. The first time I tried it, I thought maybe my lashes looked a bit longer. But within a few minutes of it drying, I didn’t notice the length anymore. And after that first time use, I didn’t notice length at all after applying. Thicker lashes- nada. And this shine I was supposed to see, which was the main reason I was so excited to buy this mascara? I sure didn’t notice anything shiner about my lashes. For $7.49 this wasn’t the priciest mascara, but I will definitely not be buying it again.
On a more positive note, I bought the Maybelline Lash Stiletto Ultimate Precision Liquid Eyeliner and I am hooked! The smaller tip gives me the flexibility of having a thin line or adding drama with a thicker line. It is good for extended wear, lasting through a night of dancing for me without smudging or disappearing. And I like that it doesn’t smear above my eyelids, once I put it on, it’s dry and in place. At only $5.94, I thought this was a good deal for a product that works!

Beauty Trend: New & Improved Dry Shampoo

I have never used dry shampoo before, but am considering trying it out. Tresemme Waterless Foam Shampoo was highlighted this month in Cosmopolitan, and the mousse helps suck up grease and add volume to hair- without making your strands look ashy and feel gritty. I don’t wash my hair everyday, I’ve worked at a hair salon before and have been told that is a big no-no, so on my non-wash days if I think my hair needs a pick me up, this dry shampoo/mousse could help me out! Does anyone else use dry shampoo, or would want to give it a shot? I think on my next shopping trip I will pick up the Tresemme shampoo and of course, write a review on what I think!

Bold Beauty Trend

Are you daring enough to rock this new trend? While popping red lipstick is continually showing up, Cosmopolitan magazine is reporting on the new must-have lip color, er colors. Yes that’s right, the hot trend is swiping two different color lipsticks- one shade on the bottom lip, the other on the top lip. Cosmo suggests using lipsticks in the same shade family, and sticking the bright shade on the bottom lip. Will you try to this contrasting trend?