Friday, July 26, 2013

July Beauty Favorites!

July Beauty Favorites

It's that time of the month again! I rounded up some products that I couldn't get enough of this past month. Some months go by where I discover some old favorites, but this month I discovered a lot of new favorites that I'm sure I'll continue loving throughout the year. I didn't want to make this post massive, so I picked most of the standout products!

Mason Pearson Boar Bristle Brush - $190

At first when I was using this brush I couldn't understand what the big hype was. BUT, I was determined to keep using it to see if it really made any difference. I have thick, fine hair and it breaks easily. I try to minimize breakage as best as I can with hair products, but I never gave much thought about the brushes I'm using. I've tried Boar bristle in the past, and found it hard to make the change. With the particular brushes I tried, I felt that they didn't get through my hair as well. I brush my hair around 3-4 times a day - once in the morning, a couple of times mid-day and once before I go to sleep. I'm not at all lying that I've seen a noticeable change in how shiny my hair looks as well as the decrease in breakage. Every time I brush my hair, I habitually look each time down at the floor to see if any ends have broken off. Since I've been using only this brush for the past month, it has reduced by 90%. I actually really enjoy brushing my hair with it and the massaging feeling on my scalp (it might be harsh on your scalp if you have thin hair, but I love the feeling). I also can get an extra day out of my hair before washing it. It's hard to tell you to go out and purchase a $200 hair brush, but I think they are worth it and they will last a lifetime.

Nature's Gate Glow Lotion for Medium Skin tones - $13.99

I bought this subtle self-tanner on a whim because of the positive reviews on Amazon. I honestly didn't expect much since I haven't heard of it prior, but it was love at first application. The lotion is all natural and cruelty-free and contains loads of moisturizing ingredients including soybean oil, sweet almond oil, rosehip oil, shea butter and more. With one application, you get beautiful subtle golden color. If you apply it a few days in a row, you can really build up a good tan. In comparison to Jergens Natural Glow, Jergens is a bit orange, but Nature's Glow is very golden bronze. I love it! I've been using it regularly on my body. The best part is the price. It's only around $13-14 for a 16 oz bottle.

Dior Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum - $28.50

Mascara primer is a must for me. I've been using Shiseido Mascara Base for around 3 years now, but was curious to try something different. I've been using this every day and I think I'm a new convert! I'll do a comparison post, but so far I can tell that the Dior base is much more gentle on my lashes. It really works great for adding an extra oomph to my lashes. It makes them look slightly longer, and much more volumized.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner - $20

This is a top-rated liquid liner and I've been wanting to try it for ages. Just as I assumed I would, I love it! The tip is perfect for creating thin lines and unlike some felt tips, I haven't had any issues with it being overly saturated or dry to the point where I have to shake it. I can create a perfect wing in seconds and I love the fact that the color is such an intense black that I only need one layer. It lasts perfectly well until I remove it! *Mine is a sample size I received from Sephora for 100 Beauty Insider Points.

Swatches from left to right: Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner, MAC Lightsweep Shaping Pro Powder, Becca Opal Shimmering Skin Perfector.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Tarte Peaceful Amazonian Clay Blush Review, Photos, Swatches!

Tarte Peaceful Amazonian Clay Blush

Tarte Peaceful Amazonian Clay Blush

Tarte Peaceful Amazonian Clay Blush ($26) is described as a soft, nude-peach with slight shimmer. I'd consider it more of a medium rosy, coral-peach. When I'm a bit fairer, the color is more rosy, whereas when I'm more tan, the color is more vibrant and coral and pulls a bit orangey. With my warm, yellow undertones, most peach blushes turn somewhat orange on me (which isn't particularly a bad thing). I wouldn't consider it to be in the Nars Orgasm or MAC Springsheen family, although by the looks of it in the pan, it looks like it would be very pink-toned. That pink however deepens on the skin and gives more of a warm, rosy/flushed look.

I'm around the MAC NC30-NC35 coloring, and I like it on me. It's a pretty Summery shade and livens up my complexion. If you can't get enough peach blush, you might like this one. You have to make sure to use a light hand because the brush picks up quite a bit of product and it's very pigmented and can get bright/intense quickly. A stippling brush may be your best bet for light application.

Tarte Peaceful Amazonian Clay Blush

Tarte Peaceful Amazonian Clay Blush

Tarte Peaceful Amazonian Clay Blush Swatch

Monday, July 22, 2013

L'Oreal Violet Attitude Colour Riche Le Gloss Review, Photos, Swatches!

L'Oreal Violet Attitude Colour Riche Le Gloss

L'Oreal Violet Attitude Colour Riche Le Gloss

L'Oreal Violet Attitude Colour Riche Le Gloss ($8) is a rosy-magenta with a pearly sheen and a glossy finish. Colour Riche Le Gloss is infused with ultra-hydrating Omega 3, protective Vitamin E, and Argan Oil for intense moisture and shine. You can wear these glosses alone or layered over your favorite lipstick. Le Gloss is available in 16 sensual shades from deep plum to crystal clear.

If you're looking for a really saturated with color gloss, these aren't going to be it. There are many bright and fun colors, but the color payoff is on the sheer side. I've seen swatches where they look really pigmented, but on the lips, many of them appear the same. I think they're great for the Summer though, or just about any time you're going for the a natural glossy lip.

They have a fruity, sort-of vanilla scent - and normally I don't care for scents in my lip products, but I don't feel that the scent of these cheapen the product or turn them into "kiddy" glosses. I kinda like it.

Also, I really like the simple name of the lipgloss. Le Gloss or The Gloss in French just has a bit of a high-end ring to it. (You can put French words on anything and it sounds expensive, right?) The lipglosses also have a really slim, squeeze-tube design which is super lightweight, and perfect for your pocket or bag.

I think these lip glosses are great, but truthfully, I don't think there is much that sets them apart from the rest. I love the packaging, the moisturizing feel and the glossiness, but I just prefer something with either longer staying power or bolder color. I really like the color I chose, but I probably won't be purchasing additional shades. (Don't quote me on this though, I tend to buy on impulse.)

L'Oreal Violet Attitude Colour Riche Le Gloss

L'Oreal Violet Attitude Colour Riche Le Gloss

L'Oreal Violet Attitude Colour Riche Le Gloss

L'Oreal Violet Attitude Colour Riche Le Gloss Swatches

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Rocksbox Review Vol. 003!

Rocksbox Review

Rocksbox Review Vol. 003

This week I received my third Rocksbox and I couldn't wait to share my goodies with you!

I can't deny that receiving a mystery package in the mail isn't crazy fun. Although so many companies have come out with these monthly subscriptions for surprise packages filled with fun beauty or fashion related items, the concept never really gets old if you're receiving items you'll love. I look forward to each time that I send my Rocksbox package back and I'm on pins and needles until I receive my next one.

My box contained:

I'm really happy with everything I received. I was secretly hoping for CC Skye, but my last two boxes already contained CC Skye, and I know the whole point of the service is to explore different designers and styles. My favorite pieces are the necklace and earrings. I've already worn both, and I'm pretty sure I'll be keeping the earrings (only $38.40 w/ the member price). They're so simple, but I love the mirror effect - they catch light really well and provide a lot of contrast with my dark hair. I love the style of the necklace, but not all bib style necklaces work with me because I have a high breast bone and it sits raised on my chest. I have a new designer to admire now though, I'm really loving Sandy Hyun's designs.


What is Rocksbox? Rocksbox is a fashion jewelry based subscription service where members pay $19/month to rent an unlimited amount of designer jewelry. A stylist will handpick (3) pieces suited to your taste (based on your style survey & preferences) and will be promptly mailed to you. You can wear your items as often as you'd like up to 60 days. Whenever you feel like it, you can place the items in the prepaid enclosed padded mailer, and drop it in your nearest mailbox. In no time, a new package will be sent your way! There's no minimum amount of time you have to wait before sending your items back. If you decide that none of the items are for you, you can send the package back right away and you'll receive a new selection. If you love any of the items and can't give it up, you can purchase any of the items for 20% the retail price. To read more about the service, check out the FAQs.


Rocksbox Review

Rocksbox Review

Rocksbox Sandy Hyun Pink Deco Collar
Sandy Hyun Pink Deco Collar 

Rocksbox Sandy Hyun Pink Deco Collar
Sandy Hyun Pink Deco Collar

Isharya Mirror Gems Libra Earrings

Gorjana Lena Ring

Rocksbox Review

I think it's a really fun company, and it's one that I'm going to stay subscribed to. It's a really cool way to stay trendy and feel glam without much commitment (besides the membership fee, that is.) I don't want to repeat myself in each Rocksbox post, but if you're interested, check out my previous posts for more of my thoughts.

As always, to rack up some purchase credits with the company, you can share photos of your Rocksbox jewels on your social media pages and tag Rockbox to receive a $5 credit. You can build up quite the tab to purchase items that you may want to keep!

iFabbo and Rocksbox is providing my readers with an awesome discount code of 50% OFF your first three months ($9.50/month) by using the promo code FABB. If you feel that Rocksbox isn't for you, don't worry, you can cancel your membership at any time.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

MAC Nice 'n' Spicy Pro Longwear Lip Pencil Review, Photos, Swatches!

MAC Nice 'n' Spicy Pro Longwear Lip Pencil

MAC Nice 'n' Spicy Pro Longwear Lip Pencil

MAC Nice 'n' Spicy Pro Longwear Lip Pencil ($19.50) is a soft, rosy-brown with a warm, spicy terracotta undertone. It's a great shade for warm skin tones, and it's light and neutral enough to wear with most lipstick colors. It's long-wearing and transfer-proof.

MAC Pro Longwear Lip Pencils are my absolute favorite lip pencils - my favorite shade is Staunchy Stylish, which I've talked about prior on my blog. I couldn't get enough of it, so I stopped by a MAC store for another everyday neutral liner in the Pro Longwear line and left with Nice 'n' Spicy. Although I find that Staunchy Stylish is a bit more wearable for me (because it's a bit more rosy w/ less red and I wear pink lipstick most of the time), I love Nice n Spicy and use it just as much. More so when I'm wearing peachy, coral or neutral lipsticks.

I love these liners for a few simple reasons. For one, the texture is amazing. It's velvety smooth and the tips never becomes dry and tugs on the lips. The pigmentation is fantastic - it's completely opaque in one stroke. The product dries quickly and is almost instantly transfer-proof. And lastly, when I apply a really emollient product on top (such as a lipgloss), the liner still doesn't budge. A standard lip liner would typically smear or blend in with any product added on top, but not these. Which makes these liners perfect for over-lining your lips to make them appear slightly fuller. The finish is matte and it's super long lasting - that outline isn't going anywhere!

I don't have a very distinct lip line; especially my top lip and cupids bow, so these pencils for me are a daily necessity. I highly recommend checking these out if you haven't already!

MAC Nice 'n' Spicy Pro Longwear Lip Pencil

MAC Nice 'n' Spicy Pro Longwear Lip Pencil

MAC Nice 'n' Spicy Pro Longwear Lip Pencil Swatches and Comparisons
Swatches from left to right: MAC Nice 'n' Spicy Pro Longwear Lip Pencil, MAC Staunchly Stylish Pro Longwear Lip Pencil, MAC Spice Lip Pencil and MAC Subculture Lip Pencil.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Rain Cosmetics Private Jet and With the DJ Glam Lipsticks Review, Photos, Swatches!

Rain Cosmetics Private Jet and With the DJ Glam Lipsticks

Rain Cosmetics Private Jet and With the DJ Glam Lipsticks

Rain Cosmetic Glam Lipsticks ($20) are described as having extreme color and moisture that will stay put throughout the day for all-day glam. Combined with moisturizing mango butter, grape seed oil, and Vitamin E. Available in (15) shimmery and matte shades.

Private Jet is a sheer nude-beige with pink undertones and a shiny finish. Because it's sheer, it's a very easy nude to wear without the "concealer lips" look. Even when layered, the natural shade of my lips still shines slightly through. It reminds me a bit of the discontinued Revlon Soft Nude Lipstick, which was one of my drugstore favorites.

Because of the moisturizing formula and sheer color pigments, this shade didn't emphasize dryness or settle in my fine lines like many nudes tend to do.

The lasting power seems pretty average with this shade.

With the DJ is a vibrant fuchsia pink with a shiny finish. It's more opaque than Private Jet, and provides some seriously long wearing power. Even after the color and shine has worn off, it leaves a bright pink stain behind that lasts for hours (until you remove it of course). I absolutely love this shade. It's such a fun, bright shade when you want to extra glam, and also looks beautiful toned down with a lighter pink or nude. I even like mixing it with Private Jet to create a more wearable, vibrant light-medium pink.

The texture of the lipsticks are very slick and smooth. They feel initially really firm for the first couple of uses, but once you break them in, they are quite creamy and balm-like. I love the way they feel on the lips. I find them to be fairly moisturizing and I typically won't need to wear a lip balm underneath.

Rain Cosmetics Private Jet and With the DJ Glam Lipsticks

Rain Cosmetics Private Jet and With the DJ Glam Lipsticks

Rain Cosmetics Private Jet and With the DJ Glam Lipsticks

Rain Cosmetics Glam Lipstick swatches
Rain Cosmetics Private Jet and With the DJ

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

MAC Up the Amp Lipstick Review, Photos, Swatches!

MAC Up the Amp Lipstick

MAC Up the Amp Lipstick

MAC Up the Amp Lipstick ($15) is described on the MAC website as a "lavender violet". I think that's a really good description for it - it's a purple lipstick, but more violet (blue-toned purple) rather purple (even tone of red and blue). It's medium in tone, but it has that hint of lavender that lightens it up and brings a milkiness to the color. On tan/darker skin tones, it gives off a beautiful lilac pink hue.

It's definitely not an everyday color and is a bit edgy and daring, but when I'm in one of those moods where I want to look a bit fierce, I always reach for purple lipstick.

It actually took me a few wears to get use to this color - at first I thought it was too dull and dark. I was initially mixing it with lighter lilac shades (such as MAC Saint Germain, etc) to tone it down, until the point that I just started wearing it solo. It's one of my favorites now!

It's the "Amplified" formula, which I think is one of the best. It glides on smooth, creamy and the color is opaque. It has a shiny finish and doesn't dry out my lips.

MAC Up the Amp Lipstick

Wearing MAC Up the Amp Lipstick
When I wear purple-toned lipstick, I like to keep the rest of my makeup simple as the main focus is the lips. A simple winged-eye always looks great. Also, to keep my face from looking too cool-toned and dull, I always make sure to wear a warm-toned bronzer and a peachy blush. (Pink is a great pair for cool skin tones, but I love peach/orange blush on warm skin tones with purple lips.) I also never skip highlighter as I want to put some light back in my face since the lipstick darkens up my look.

MAC Up the Amp Lipstick Swatch

Monday, July 8, 2013

MAC Warming Heart Pressed Pigment Review, Photos, Swatches & Application Tips!

MAC Warming Heart Pressed Pigment

MAC Warming Heart Pressed Pigment

MAC Warming Heart Pressed Pigment ($21) is a light, peach-pink with a very shimmery translucent finish. MAC describes the product as a "creamy highlighter with a versatility of finish" meaning that you can achieve a variety of finishes depending on how you apply them. You can apply the pressed pigments dry for a sheer, shimmery shine, or wet for a bolder, more metallic look.

The reviews I've seen for these have been very mixed - but unfortunately, I've seen more less favorable reviews. For instance, Temptalia rated the MAC Pressed Pigments a "F"and said that they have some of the worst fall-out of any glittery shadows she's worked with. On the contrary, Beauty Look Book really liked the MAC Pressed Pigments and owns several shades. I follow and trust both bloggers opinions, but I also understand that it's not going to be a product for everyone unless of course, you like glitter.

I personally have always liked shimmery eyeshadows and find it hard to resist an eyeshadow that sparkles and shines. When I spotted this pigment at my local Cosmetic Company Outlet, I grabbed it right away.

The texture of the product is very soft to the touch and has a creaminess about it much like the MAC Extra-Dimension products. Despite that, it's also gritty (not dry, though) and crumbly. The product is very delicate and you have to make sure not to apply too much pressure to it with your application tool.

MAC Warming Heart Pressed Pigment

MAC Warming Heart Swatches
MAC Warming Heart swatched dry and wet

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Rain Cosmetics Tropical Storm Color Storm Lip Lacquer Review, Photos, Swatches!

Rain Cosmetics Tropical Storm Color Storm Lip Lacquer

Rain Cosmetics Tropical Storm Color Storm Lip Lacquer

Rain Cosmetics Tropical Storm Color Storm Lip Lacquer ($20) is a medium raspberry pink with cool undertones. It has mostly opaque coverage with a glossy finish. I think it's a universally flattering shade and is perfect for a little extra pop of color without being super bold. I love wearing it on it's own, and I also love it paired with MAC Chatterbox Lipstick (which is similar in color) when I want a fuller coverage.

The texture is very smooth and has a hydrating, balm-lip feel on the lips. It contains Antioxidants, Jojoba and Vitamin E to keep the lips feeling soft as long as it's on. It's not thick, runny or sticky and wears really comfortably. When initially applied, the color is opaque, but upon wear, it settles down into a medium coverage. It wears down after a few hours and leaves a light rosy-pink hue behind on my lips.

It has a light fruity scent, but nothing obnoxious and it goes away upon application.



Rain Cosmetics is a Las Vegas based makeup line created for the modern and glamorous woman with a busy, on-the-go lifestyle. Recognizing the need for lightweight, long-wearing, moisture-rich formulas, Rain Cosmetics created a product line that lasts flawlessly all day into the night with little-to-no touch ups. I was introduced to Rain Cosmetics recently by my friend Makeup by Lacy and was so excited to see the brand in-person on my recent trip to Las Vegas. It's a great brand, and I'll be sharing with you some of their other products in the upcoming week.



Rain Cosmetics Display outside of Elements @ ARIA, Las Vegas
Rain Cosmetics display outside of the Elements Gift Shop in Aria Resort & Casino, Las Vegas

Rain Cosmetics Tropical Storm Color Storm Lip Lacquer

Rain Cosmetics Tropical Storm Color Storm Lip Lacquer Swatch

Bobbi Brown Bellini High Shimmer Lipgloss Review, Photos, Swatches!

Bobbi Brown Bellini High Shimmer Lipgloss

Bobbi Brown Bellini High Shimmer Lipgloss

Bobbi Brown Bellini High Shimmer Lipgloss ($24) is a sheer, nude-pink with bright pink & golden-white shimmer and a glossy finish. Because it's sheer, it only provides a light wash of shimmering, tinged-pink color to the lips. The result is beautiful, natural and won't overpower your look. It's a great Summer gloss.

The consistency gets an A+ from me - it feels silky smooth and moisturizing on the lips. Despite the shimmer, you can't really feel it. It's not thick, runny or sticky. Just perfect.

It has a hint of mint, so it leaves the lips with a light cooling sensation when first applied.

The lasting power is quite good. I typically get around 2-3 hours of wear from it.

Bobbi Brown High Shimmer Lipglosses have been raved about from many bloggers - one including Temptalia, who recommends and loves these as some of her go-to lipglosses. I can totally see why!

Bobbi Brown Bellini High Shimmer Lipgloss

Bobbi Brown Bellini High Shimmer Lipgloss

Bobbi Brown Bellini Lipgloss Swatch

Friday, July 5, 2013

MAC Patience Please Pro Longwear Lipglass Review, Photos, Swatches!

MAC Patience Please Pro Longwear Lipglass

MAC Patience Please Pro Longwear Lipglass

MAC Patience Please Pro Longwear Lipglass ($20) is milky pink-beige with a lustrous finish. It's a part of MAC's Pro Longwear line, so it will last much longer on the lips compared to a standard lipgloss. I love light lip colors, but I rarely wear nude lip colors alone as with my warm coloring, they tend to take color away from my face. Patience Please despite being super light, is actually a flattering nude on my skintone as the color leans a bit warm.

The consistency of the Pro Longwear Lipglasses are very thick and tacky - a bit similar to MAC Dazzleglass and just a tad bit thicker/stickier than their regular Lipglass. So for those of you that don't like wearing sticky glosses, this one may not be your first choice, but keep in mind that the thick texture is what helps the gloss last so long without fading.

The only downfall about the texture is that if your lips are dry, the gloss is a bit difficult to apply evenly. And, if you apply too much, excess gloss gathers on the inside of the lips. For even coverage, applying an emollient lipbalm (I like using a squeeze tube balm opposed to a stick balm) will help. I sometimes even like applying over the lipgloss to cut down the stickiness.

The lasting power is really good. It absolutely lasts longer than most of my other lip glosses. Most lip glosses don't stick around for more than two hours - I can sometimes push an extra hour out of Chanel Glossimers, but I think the standard is a couple of hours. This lipgloss lasts at least 4 hours with a little fading. It will transfer if you're drinking from a cup (it's not bullet-proof) but I'm still left with a little color on my lips after drinking a coffee or eating a meal. I actually like the color a bit better once it settles in and isn't so opaque.

MAC Patience Please Pro Longwear Lipglass

Wearing MAC Patience Please Pro Longwear Lipglass
Wearing MAC Patience Please Lipglass (MAC NC35 coloring)

MAC Patience Please Lip Swatch

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

A Few Great Hair Products Worth Mentioning!


This post is a bit random, but I thought I'd share with you some products I've been using and enjoying lately that I haven't talked about before.

I have naturally thick, naturally curly (but not coarse) hair that is prone to dryness and breakage. Since I heat style my hair regularly, I like to use deep conditioners weekly to keep my hair moisturized and looking healthy. Each time I run out of conditioner, I always purchase a different one. I can't really say that any of them have been drastically different from one another. One deep conditioner I'm almost finished with is Kera Minerals by Silk Elements Smoothing Deep Conditioner - this conditioner strengthens the hair by restoring the lost keratin in damaged hair that causes breakage, dullness and frizz. It also combines silk protein that aids in making the hair feel soft and silky and rosehip oil to moisturize. After use, your hair should feel much softer with less frizz and lots of shine.

I've been using this conditioner at least once a week for a month or so and it really does all that it says. My hair feels really soft and silky, but not so light that it won't hold a curl. I notice less breakage when brushing my hair, which is one of my main concerns and frizz is definitely reduced. It smells really good too which is always a plus.

The other conditioner I've been using is Silk Elements MegaSilk Intense Conditioning Mayonnaise. It contains loads of moisturizing ingredients such as olive oil, lanolin oil, keratin, collagen, silk proteins, plant extracts and cholesterol. I think it's a great treatment if your hair is very dry and damaged or after chemically processing your hair.


Although this product is no doubt conditioning, it's more of a treatment for your hair rather a deep conditioner. After rinsing the product from my hair, it didn't feel silky at all like it would with a conditioner. It felt much more like I used a protein treatment. My hair felt slightly coarse, yet smooth at the same time. I was definitely able to tell the difference in texture; when I lightly tugged my hair, it felt a lot stronger. After my hair dried, it felt soft enough (not silky) where using an additional conditioner wouldn't have been necessary.

The only downside is that I felt my hair was slightly weighed down - similar to the feeling I'd get from using too much finishing balm/wax on my hair. Not greasy, just a bit heavier, so I needed to use a little extra hairspray to hold my style. On the plus side, it retained moisture well until my next washing, which is great for my hair type. It was also very manageable.

I avoid products that weigh my hair down, but I think the positives of this treatment outweigh the negatives. The next time I use it, I might just leave it in my hair for a long time with a cap and then shampoo.

As far as Leave-in Conditioners go, It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In + Keratin is one of my all-time favorites.   As with most conditioners, it really increases my hair manageability and helps keep my hair from drying out. It's a little expensive though, and I go through a bottle very quickly, so I've been recently looking for a cheaper alternative. I came across Miracle 7 Leave-In Mist and have been using it a few times a week after I get out of the shower for added protection for my hair. It detangles, adds shine, stops hair breakage and prevents split ends. It also helps control frizz and makes my hair (especially my ends which tend to be dry) feel silkier. Is it an exact dupe for It's a 10? No, not really. They're similar, but I think It's a 10 does a better job strengthening my hair. Miracle 7 seems to do a better job conditioning my hair and making it look and feel silkier. I also love the fact that it doesn't weigh down my hair or leave a coating on my hair like some leave-ins tend to do. I highly recommend this leave-in, especially if you have unruly, frizzy, dry or damaged hair.

Onto heat protection! I've tried many heat protectors, and although I love TRESemme Heat Tamer because it doesn't make my hair feel greasy or weigh it down, I sometimes want something that will make my ends feel silkier (usually on my dirty hair days when my ends feel dry). On those days, I've been applying Silk Elements Megasilk Olive Heat Protection Spray to my ends and curl my hair as usual. It protects my hair from the heat and makes my hair feel ultra silky, lightweight, tangle-free and provides shine. It's great for my straight hair days. You only need they tiniest bit and you want to keep it away from your roots to avoid any greasiness.

Lastly, a fab product I stumbled upon is the Ion Color Brilliance Pre-Color Treatment. It's basically a treatment that you apply to your hair before dying or lightening your hair to even out the porosity of your hair so that when you chemically process your hair, you'll achieve even color results. My hair always comes out lighter on top and darker at the bottom so I gave this product a try and it made my hair color super even when dying. I'll never dye my hair without applying this first!

All products mentioned can be purchased at Sally Beauty Supply.

What hair products have you been loving?

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Maybelline The Falsies Big Eyes Mascara Review!

Maybelline The Falsies Big Eyes Mascara

Maybelline The Falsies Big Eyes Mascara ($7) is a new mascara that promises to provide 360 degrees of volume to your top and bottom lashes for a wide-awake effect. This mascara is double-sided with two different brushes, designed to be used individually on the top and bottom lashes.

The upper lash brush has a fluffy, twisted, spiral design. I'm personally not the biggest fan of the twisty design - The bristles are all different lengths and aren't uniform all the way around. I find that the awkward shape doesn't allow even coverage with each stroke.

The bottom lash brush is very small and thin and is perfect for coating the bottom and corner lashes. It doesn't over-apply product which is super nice, and separates really well. If you have very short top lashes, this may be helpful for your top and bottom lashes.


The formula is pretty wet and is a super dark glossy black - reminiscent of other washable mascaras and tubing mascaras I've used in the past. Every black isn't created equal in the mascara world, and I personally as deep and rich of a black as I could find. I can vouch that this mascara is one of the blackest I've used. Due to this, after a few coats, your lashes will be super noticeable, even from a distance.

It builds volume super quick, but with each additional coat, expect some clumping. A clean spoolie is really helpful. If you're a natural mascara kind of girl - one coat with this mascara is great. Of course I'm all for dramatic lashes, so I just carefully comb through my lashes until my desired effect. I always curl my lashes prior and apply a mascara primer for the best results.

Unfortunately no length is achieved what-so-ever, which for me is probably the biggest downfall. Some days I'll apply one coat of a lengthening mascara and apply this mascara as my second coat for volume.

It's supposedly smudge-proof, but after several hours I have minimal transfer under my eyes. It's also a washable mascara, so it comes off really easily with warm water.


I apologize in advance for my clumpy lashes in the last photo - I couldn't find a lash comb.