Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Mascara!

Mascara is such a crucial tool when doing makeup. It enhances the eyes so much! I have been getting a lot of questions about what mascara I use! Like I said in my previous blog, I use several different kinds of mascaras! I switch off depending on how dramatic I want my lashes to be. There are so many different brands and it can be hard to find one that works for your needs. I'm going to write about a few of my personal favorites, along with reviewing some of the top-selling mascaras! I will go over the pros and cons for each! but first, here's a couple of tips:
*To achieve big and dramatic lashes, use 2-3 DIFFERENT brands of mascaras. Can be any two brands you choose. Layer them one on top of the other!
*Do you ever notice that your mascara is drying out more quickly than it should? There is a slight chance it could be a bad batch, but more than likely, it's how YOU are using it! When putting the applicator back into the mascara tube in order to get more product on the brush, instead of moving the wand in an up and down motion, place it in the tube, and just kinda circle it around the tube without letting the wand fully emerge. When you are continuously pumping your mascara wand up and down into the tube, you are letting in oxygen and ultimately, drying out your mascara. If you are experiencing this at this very second, but a few eye-drops into the tube and it will bring your mascara back to life! :)

Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara:


The Lancome Hypnose mascara is probably the BEST mascara on the market! I have never before achieved such a dramatic results from a mascara. This mascara gives you length and volume in a snap! It goes on thick without creating clumps or spider lashes! Hypnose curls your lashes for you, so no need for an eyelash curler! This products comes in waterproof and non waterproof. I have never used their waterproof version before, but I am thrilled with the results from the regular mascara.  The only down side to this product, is the price. With tax it is close to $30, and I don't know a whole lot of people who would want to pay $30 a tube for mascara. This product is WONDERFUL, but the price exceeds the products quality. If you have the extra buck to splurge for this, go for it, otherwise, keep reading! I have the perfect "dupe", which is a little less expensive! You can find the Lancome Hypnose Mascara at your local Lancome counter, your local Sephora, or at http://www.sephora.com/hypnose-drama

Benefit They're Real Mascara:

This mascara is a top-seller! All of my clients love this mascara because it helps you achieve, long, voluminous lashes! It adds a "false eyelash" effect and eliminates the need to apply fake lashes! Perfect for people with short, sparse lashes! Great substitute for the Lancome Hypnose! Personally, I am not a fan of this mascara, but everyone else I know IS. I'm not sure if it's the applicator I don't like, or if its just the formula of the mascara that doesn't work for me, but I'm just not a huge fan of it. It didn't last me every long either. I went through the tube in a matter of 3 weeks, which is kind of ridiculous! I wear a lot of mascara, but I have never gone through a tube of mascara as quickly as I did with this one. The results on others has proven to be amazing, so just because this product doesn't work for me, doesn't mean it's not going to work for you! They're Real is smudge proof, but not waterproof. So it wont end up under your eyes, but it's not as difficult to take off as a waterproof mascara. This product runs for $23 and can be found at your local Sephora or at http://www.sephora.com/they-re-real-mascara


Buxom Lash- Blackest Black:

The Buxom Lash Mascara is probably my all time, most FAVORITE mascara! I actually got into using this mascara because of my Beauty Insider Card at Sephora. For every dollar you spend there (before tax) you get a point, your points add up, and you receive free "perks"! The Buxom Lash mascara was one of my perks so I decided to give it a go, and fell in love! Seriously, the best mascara I have ever used! Buxom Lash gives you full, dramatic lashes in an instant! The hour-glass shaped applicator with tiny bristles helps to curl, as well as disperse the product evenly throughout your lashes. The most even application of mascara I have ever experienced!  It is also paraben, phthalates and sulfate free, so it's perfect for those with sensitive eyes, or those prone to allergic reactions from cosmetics. Buxom is owned my Bare Minerals and both lines are good for people with skin sensitivities! Comes in waterproof and regular! You can find this product at your local Sephora, or at http://www.sephora.com/buxom-lash


Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara:

Urban Decay just re-vamped their whole mascara line! It is now better quality and longer lasting! This formula is virtually weightless, so it makes this mascara application very buildable! It is a smudge proof , long wearing mascara that creates dramatic results, effortlessly! It separates, curls, and shapes your lashes. This product contains hempseed oil, vitamin E, jojoba oil, and pure silk SPB to help condition lashes! It is also paraben and sulfate free, so it's another good mascara for the more sensitive client. I love that it has lash-health benefits to it, as well as serving as an awesome mascara with buildable volume! I love layering this mascara with my Buxom Lash. I will first do a coat of the UD Big Fatty, follow with a coat of Buxom Lash, and then go over it again with the UD Big Fatty. This is to achieve super dramatic results! This product runs for about $20 and can be found at your local Sephora, or at http://www.sephora.com/big-fatty-mascara


DRUG STORE ALTERNATIVES:

L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Orginal Mascara:
The thick brush applicator really helps to achieve lots of volume, while separating the lashes and giving them definition! This is the BEST drug store "dupe" for the Lancome Hypnose! There is a waterproof formula and a non waterproof one. I have never had any problems with this mascara flaking or ending up underneath my eyes or up by my brows, because my lashes are naturally so long. This is my FAVORITE drug store brand of mascara! I truly believe, this is the best, and most reasonably priced mascara on the market! Runs for about $8 and can be found at your local drug store!



Rimmel London Lash Accelerator:
Perfect "dupe" for the Buxom Lash Mascara and about half the price! It helps you to achieve the same long-lasting results, without having to pay the department store price. Although Buxom is an overall better product, this is the perfect substitute for it when you're on a budget! I stumbled upon it a couple months ago when I was low on cash and was pleasantly surprise by the outcome! Your lashes will be thicker and better defined! This product runs for about $10 and can be found at your local drug store!


Maybelline Volum' Express Mascara:
The Maybelline Volum' Express is an inexpensive alternative to Benefit's They're Real Mascara! It is meant to make your lashes appear longer, fuller, and resemble false lashes. I have found that this particular product actually works better for me than Benefit's They're Real. This formula isn't as watery so I feel like I can really build the volume without zipping through my mascara, and having to go out and buy a new one. I would choose this Mascara over They're Real, any day! Maybelline's Mascaras are highly underestimated! They are an awesome buy when you're on a budget! This product runs for about $6-$8 and can be found at your local drug store!


I really hope this blog gave you some insight on what else is out there! And like I said before, just because something doesn't work for me, doesn't mean it's not going to work for you! These are the best Mascaras on the market and at LEAST one of them, should meet your needs. Please feel free to comment and leave any feedback you have for me! I'd love to hear about what works for you or answer any other questions you might have! I'm also taking requests for future blogs! Thanks for reading! <3









Tuesday, March 26, 2013

My favorite Mascaras & the purpose of Clear Mascara

I was specifically asked to write a blog on Clear Mascara! I have also been getting a lot of questions about what mascara I use. Honestly, I own 4 different kinds and switch off depending how dramatic I want my lashes to be. I'll be talking about my most favorite mascaras, as well as going over the purpose of clear mascara and which ones I feel are the BEST! I will be doing two SEPARATE blogs for this!
 SO, lets start with clear mascara...

  Clear Mascara:

Clear mascara gives your lashes a subtle lift and curl with out darkening them! It makes your lashes appear longer without looking like you're wearing makeup! You can wear the clear mascara by itself, or what I like to do, is put it on BEFORE my mascara so I create a nice shape, and then I will go over it with the black. Doing this makes your lashes appear longer, but not clumpy. I like to do this when I am going for a more natural look. You can also use clear mascara to shape your eyebrows! It acts as a gel to keep hairs in place, and really helps with shaping your brows! Here are my favorite clear mascaras:



Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Genius:
Anastasia Beverly Hills is one of my all-time most FAVORITE brands! Period. She is a cosmetic GENIUS! Hence the Lash Genius...
The lash genius serves a few purposes: It's main purpose is to serve as a water-proof top coat. It is a clear, gel-like substance, that you apply to your lashes AFTER your mascara. It makes your mascara instantly waterproof! Which I LOVE because it's hard to find a waterproof mascara that doesn't flake and give you raccoon eyes! This product allows you to use your favorite non-waterproof mascara, without having to worry about it running or flaking.
The lash Genius can also be used on its own. This creates the look of longer lashes without adding any color. It just helps to curl and lengthen. Perfect for a day at the beach or by the pool, because it IS waterproof and looks like your natural lashes. You will emerge from the water with the beautiful, long lashes you jumped in with! This product runs at $21 and can be found at your local Sephora, or at http://www.sephora.com/lash-genius-waterproof




Sephora Collection Clear Defining Mascara:
The Sephora Collection Clear Defining Mascara defines, separates and enhances your lashes natural curl! The curve of the applicator helps to shape your lashes! This formula also helps to condition your lashes! So it is perfect to put on before bed, to be used as a night treatment! I love to put this under my mascara because the bristles prevent clumping, which allows a smoother mascara application! Awesome to use by itself for a natural look! Perfect for the Beach or by the pool because it will prevent smudging! This product runs for $12 and can be found at your local Sephora, or at http://www.sephora.com/clear-defining-mascara




Maybelline Great Lash in Clear:
Maybelline Great Lash is the perfect "dupe" for both the Anastasia, and Sephora clear mascara! This product will lift, separate and curl  your lashes, without adding any color! It is perfect to use before your mascara, because it will separate your lashes without leaving them clumpy! Great Lash can also be used on your brows! Excellent for shaping and keeping hairs in place. The only downside is that it is NOT waterproof! So it will wash off easily after being in water! This product runs for about $6 and can be found at your local drug store!





Thursday, March 21, 2013

The best BB creams


Beauty Balms (BB Creams)
BB Creams are the new hype in the cosmetic industry! For those of you who don't know about them yet, BB Creams are a great alternative to traditional foundation! They also have many benefits! Your BB Cream is a makeup, SPF, moisturizer and primer all in one! They are similar to a Tinted Moisturizer but have soothing and healing properties, as well as providing better coverage and longer-lasting results! I will often use my BB as a primer for my foundation, on those days I want extra coverage! Many Beauty Balms such as the ones I am about to show you, also have anti-aging benefits like: Collagen restoration; which contributes to the improvement of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as an increase in antioxidant activity due to skin-perfecting emollients! A BB Cream is a nice light-weight way to conceal and cover those little imperfections! 



*****STILA Stay All Day 10-in-one Illumination Beauty Balm (BB Cream) SPF 30
This BB Cream is definitely one of my go-to items for Summer because of the light-weight coverage and natural feel. I have tried so many different types of BB Creams and this one is BY FAR my top pick! I love this BB Cream because it self adjusts to your skin tone, so you don't have to be concerned about it not matching your skin; as opposed to other brands, where you NEED to be matched to a specific color. Out of all of the BB creams I've tried, this one has proven to be the best! Some BB creams claim to be self adjusting and really aren't, but this one definitely is! This product blends seamlessly with any skin color! This BB cream looks like your natural skin, but covers any imperfections and really evens out skin tone, as well as leaving your skin bright and dewey! It also contains an SPF of 30 which is essential for whiteys like myself! This product is Paraben, Sulfate, and Phthalates free so it is perfect for sensitive skin! You can find it at your local Sephora, or at http://www.sephora.com


****Dr. Brandt Flexitone BB Cream SPF 30
This BB Cream is also self adjusting, which will eliminate any skin-tone concern! Provides hydration while protecting the skin with it's SPF, and also acting as a makeup! This product helps smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and really helps brighten and lighten skintones! I recommend this one for women who are acne prone. This will be very gentle on your skin. When I'm breaking out, THIS is my go-to. I know that I won't be making my breakout worse because of the skin care benefits this provides. You can find Dr. Brandt's BB Cream at your local Spehora or at http://www.sephora.com

***Dr. Jart Water fuse Beauty Balm (BB Cream)
Made out of 50% water, so you really get a VERY natural, dewey look! I wouldn't recommend this for someone who is used to wearing a lot of makeup. Although it is a great product, the coverage is minimal, and it doesn't contain quite as many long-term skin care benefits as the previous two. Perfect for a day by the pool or at the beach, when you want to be as minimal as possible! You can find this product at your local Sephora, or at http://www.sephora.com

Drug-store Alternative::
 L'OREAL Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream
In my opinion, this BB Cream is the best drug store BB Cream that I have tried. This product is essentially just a tinted moisturizer with a nice sunscreen. The coverage is extremely sheer. This BB cream does not self adjust, but the color match is pretty decent for my super fair skin. This BB cream comes in different shades and I wear the lightest one. The product is just a little darker than my skin tone, but it's so sheer that it will eventually adjust and blend seamlessly into your skin! This product can be found at your local Target or Walmart!