Benefit They're Real Mascara Review

I might be one of the last people in the beauty blogging world to try this out, but I finally did it! I tried out the not-so-new Benefit They're Real Mascara:

I can talk on and on about the claims that Benefit makes, but basically this mascara is supposed to give you such glam lashes that they are supposed to look as good as false lashes. 

Bare Lashes

Lashes with 1 coat of They're Real on top and bottom lashes

So, while this might not look exactly like false lashes, I think this mascara still looks pretty good! My lashes look longer and more voluminous. Benefit They're Real also does a great job of holding the curl in my lashes when I do use a curler, but it also adds a bit of curl on its own. There is no flaking or smudging either. The only thing I didn't get with this mascara is thickening. The mascara wand coats each lash to make it darker and look longer, but it didn't make my lashes thicker. Overall, this is a great formula with a unique want, but I am not sure if it is $22 great. 

Have you tried Benefit They're Real? What are your thoughts?

Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara Review

With a name like Extreme Party Mascara, I expected Bobbi Brown's latest mascara formulation to give me that va-va-voom that I always crave.

The brush seemed promising: large, full, lots of bristles, and easy to use. Even the application was a breeze, and there was no smudging or clumping.

So are you ready to see my extreme party lashes?

Lashes with no mascara

Lashes with Extreme Party Mascara

Wah. Wah. Waah. 

You might be thinking they look pretty good, but that isn't the mascara as much as the fact that I curled my lashes. The mascara didn't add any drama or length....there was nothing extreme or party-like about it. I thought maybe this would be decent to use up for day-today use for casual outings. But, this mascara didn't hold the curl for more than 3-4 hours. After that time my lashes looked like their naked selves again. 

Thanks Bobbi, but I will pass on this one. 

Sue Devitt Black Widow Mascara Review and Swatch

So about a month or so ago PR recently sent me the following Sue Devitt Black Widow Mascara to try out:

When I starting writing this post I went on the Sue Devitt website to read more about the product and it's no longer listed on the website. I have a feeling it is discontinued, and that is a good thing because this mascara is horrible. That probably makes this review useless, but in the slight chance it is available somewhere and someone is interested in it, I hope this review saves that one person from wasting their money.

The wand is a pretty good shape but the mascara formula is really poor.

September Favorites

It's that time again....here are my faves from September:

1. MAC Lady Grey Shadow Quad - This quad is not at all special, yet so special! I was not planning to buy this, but when I swatched the colors I absolutely fell in love with the light purple and light green shades, and all 4 colors are unlike the shades I already have. Something about these colors is so magical...they complement each other and blend so seamlessly! These are the only shadows I have been using for the past few weeks! I love this quad so much I will do a separate post (including swatches) on it this week.



2. Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara - This was part of this and this set, and it fits all my requirements for a daily-use mascara. It doesn't smudge, doesn't flake, holds the curl, is a dark black color, doesn't clump even after 2-3 coats, and the brush is nice and large. Although this doesn't lengthen or thicken, you won't believe how hard it is to find a mascara that meets my requirements, so I can live with the lack of lengthening and thickening. If I really need the drama, I use a mascara base or combine this with other mascaras.



3. Stila One-Step Correct - I reviewed this almost exactly a year ago here, and I am still very much enjoying using it! I like that is doesn't break me out, provides a great surface for foundation, and helps minimize the appearance of pores. The one I have now is almost empty, and I will most likely pick up another instead of trying out any of the other great face primers on the market.



4. MAC Rubenesque Paint Pot - I have mentioned this as a staple many times, but I just can't stop loving it! I used this golden peachy base a lot this summer with nothing else on my eyes, and lately I have been using it as a base for the Lady Grey shadows mentioned above. This particular paint pot simply excels at lasting ALL day, on its own and as a primer for powder shadows. The color is simply perfect for any occasion, and it's just one of those fool-proof makeup products that I can always rely on.



September was a pretty simple makeup month for me, what about you?

Still Searching for a Mascara that Blows my Mind: Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume Lash Mascara Review

For about a month or so (on and off) I have been using the Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume Lash Building Mascara:

I was excited to try this because it of the name (doesn't it sound like it would make your lashes fab?) and the description: 

"dramatically thickens, lengthens, curls and sculpts lashes with each stroke. The lightweight, nutrient-infused formula leaves lashes super-shiny, soft and clump-free all day long."

I think the mascara has potential, but needs some work. I like the brush because it is full and thick, but the mascara formula itself is very goopy. It is thick and clumpy on the brush, on the tube, and on my lashes. I am embarrassed to show you this, since I am very particular and clean with my makeup products, but this mascara just gets all over the place...check out the tube after only 15 or so uses:

Once on my lashes, it does a good job of holding curl and defining the lashes, but it does not thicken or lengthen my lashes at all. Also, since the formula is so clumpy, I have to brush through my lashes with a lash comb EVERY time I use this mascara. Annoying.

Lashes curled with no mascara

With one coat of the Full Blown Volume Lash Building Mascara

If this wasn't so goopy, it might be ok. In that case I would even consider layering 2 or 3 coats, which might give a little more ooh-la-la to my lashes. 

In other news, are you attending any fashion related events in your city? It is currently Spring/Summer 2012 Fashion Week in NYC, and there are tons of fashion related events happening here in Philly. Most of them are open to the public and there is a good chance there are similar events occurring in other US cities. I went to one fashion show at my local Macy's and I will be posting about that soon. 

Smashbox Luxe Metallics Glambox Swatches and Review

Smashbox does it again! Remember how much I loved the Smashbox Studio Stash set? I may have found another set I like even more! The Smashbox Luxe Metallics Glambox!! Smashbox releases a glambox set a couple times a year and they literally come in a cubed box:

This Luxe Metallics Glambox has 7 products in it:

- Fusion Soft Lights in Luster

- Blush Rush in Surge

- Eyelights Quad in Luxe

- Full Exposure Mascara Mini in Jet Black (the one pictured above is the full size because I misplaced the mini one that came with this set)

- Jet Set Waterprrof Eye Liner in Vamp

- Arced Liner Brush #21 (full size)

- Lip Enhancing Gloss in Gilded Nude

- Lip Enhancing Gloss in Rose Quartz

 Fusion Soft Lights in Luster and Blush Rush in Surge

L-R: Surge blush, Luster Fusion Soft Lights (the 3 individual shades, then all swirled) 

Eyelights Quad in Luxe and Full Exposure Mascara 

Eyelights Quad in Luxe

 

Jet Set Waterprrof Eye Liner in Vamp and Arced Liner Brush #21

Lip Enhancing Gloss in Gilded Nude and Rose Quartz

L-R: Jet Set Waterprrof Eye Liner in Vamp, Gilded Nude gloss and Rose Quartz gloss

The kit also includes a pamphlet with instructions on how to create a Bronze Glow look and a Metallic Smoke look:

My fave of the two looks is the Metallic Smoke look, so I tried that look first. I followed the instructions exactly, using only my own foundation, concealer, and brushes.

What I was most excited about in this kit was the Arced Liner Brush #21. I have been wanting a bent liner brush like this for a long time. I have only used it a few times but so far I like it. It is SO much easier to use than a regular liner brush that has a similar brush head but is not bent. However, since I have been using an angled brush (the MAC 208 is my fave) to apply gel/cream liner for many years, this is going to take some getting used to. I was also excited to try out the Blush Rush formula. I was a bit hesitant of the color because it appeared so bright on my hand, but when blended well, it adds a soft pink flush to the cheeks. 

Overall I really like this kit and will be using these products a lot, especially as Fall and the holiday season approach. Speaking of, this would make a great Christmas present! Or if you are like me and have no patience, a great anytime present to yourself! =)

Disclaimer: The products in this post were provided by PR for consideration. Please read my disclaimer for additional information.

A Set Worth Adding to Your Stash: Smashbox Studio Stash Set Review

As you know I am always looking for a great deal and when it comes to makeup sets sometimes it is a hit or miss. In the last couple years I have noticed that there is one brand that usually hits it out of the park when it comes to makeup sets: Smashbox.

Take for example the new Smashbox Studio Stash set:

First off, how adorable is the little makeup bag?

It looks like a brush roll but it opens up in to an amazingly useful makeup bag! It has an area to put a few brushes, then a clear pouch, and a black round pouch for larger items. 

The black round pouch is detachable via the magic of velcro!! How awesome is that!

I really wanted this makeup set for the pouch, but the products are just as awesome and travel-friendly. First off are the shadow quad and the cream liner palette, shown next to my iPhone so you get an idea of the size.

The Studio Stash Eye Shadow Palette contains 4 neutral shadows in the grey-plum color family:

All shadows are SUPER soft and very pigmented. They blend easily and last all day when worn over a cream shadow or eye primer. The first and third shades are matte, the second and last shades have a tiny bit of shimmer but are not shiny or glittery at all. I have been using this a lot lately for simple summer eye looks (which I will be posting soon).

Swatches of Studio Stash Eye Shadow Palette

My fave product from this set is the Cream Eye Liner Palette in Perfect Frame. Sure, you might look at some of the lighter shades and say "when would I use those as liner?" Ladies, just because it is called a cream liner doesn't mean you can't be creative with it. These creams really excel as a liner but also as a cream shadow on the whole lid! And the best part is these don't fade or crease, even without a base!

This little palette is almost the same size as a credit card and PERFECT for carrying in a purse for touchups or to transform a day look in to an evening look! I think it would be awesome to add a little cream shadow to the lid, a little dark liner and voila....a smoky eye in a pinch! Another plus: the palette includes a small brush and even has a mirror...though in my photo above the mirror still has the blue mirror cover on it. 

Swatches of Cream Eye Liner Palette in Perfect Frame

The Studio Stash set also includes a full-size Full Exposure Mascara, which I really like and will be showing off in an upcoming post illustrating a few recent eye looks using the products in this set.

When I was using the products in this set I was really impressed, but now as I write this post, I am realizing even more how wearable these products are! The lippie included in the Studio Stash set is such a great neutral that will flatter everyone! It is the Lip Enhancing Gloss in Smitten.

The Lip Enhancing Gloss formulas are non-sticky and last a good 3-ish hours on me. The gloss is very moisturizing and this shade is one of those easy ones you can apply without a mirror.

What face would be complete without blush? Gosh, Smashbox thinks of everything! This set does come with a Blush/Soft Lights duo in Split/Second, but unfortunately mine broke so I don't have a photo to show you, but I did gather enough crumbs to swatch the colors for you:

Look how the Soft Lights shade glimmers under the light of the flash! This is a great highlighter shade for many skin tones.

This set is $59 and currently available on Smashbox's website, or you may even be able to find it at Nordstrom, since this was one of the special sets for the Nordstrom Anniversary sale from July. It is a great deal considering how many products you get. The Studio Stash set has all the color products necessary to do a full face of makeup. All you have to do is add the base products (foundation, concealer, and powder) that match your skin tone, and a few brushes.  I HIGHLY recommend this set for yourself or as a gift....who wouldn't want to open a gift box and find this inside!

Disclaimer: The products in this post were provided by PR for consideration. Please read my disclaimer for additional information.

Nars Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara Review

You may have noticed that I have been using a new mascara in my recent face of the days...the Nars Larger than Life Volumizing Mascara:

I have been using mine quite a bit so the packaging has taken a beating, but the mascara itself is pretty good. I like wands that are full and have lots of bristles to coat each lash, and this one fits the bill:

I know this mascara is pricey ($25) but it works pretty well. See for yourself:

Bare lashes

Bare lashes after being curled

Lashes with one coat of Larger than Life Volumizing Mascara

 Lashes with two coats of Larger than Life Volumizing Mascara

This mascara does not smudge or flake on me, and it doesn't clump up like a lot of volumizing mascaras do. It lasts all day and holds the curl very well. I'm not sure if it really thickened or lengthened my lashes, but it does what I want a mascara to do: darkens my lashes while holding the curl. Overall I give this a two thumbs up but I don't know if I would repurchase because there are so many mascaras that I want to try and many of them are cheaper than this one. 

What mascara are you using currently?