Shu Uemura Mini Eyelash Curler!

Shu Uemura Mini Eyelash Curler

Every time I go to ULTA, I usually raid the clearance rack before anything else to see if I find any good deals. I was a little short on time as the store was about to close and I had a 20% coupon that expired that day.. but I managed to find a Shu Uemura Mini Eyelash Curler clearanced to $14.49. Although that doesn't seem too cheap, the 20% off coupon took an extra $3 off, so not bad at all. It was actually missing the replacement pad, which is most likely why it was on clearance (or because Shu isn't even sold anymore in the US - maybe I got lucky?), but I figured I wouldn't need one any time soon. I've had my regular Shu curler for at least four years and the pad is still in mint condition.

Shu Uemura Mini Eyelash Curler, front & back.

Shown next to a dime for scale.

I pictured it next to a dime for scale to show how small it really is (and in comparison the regular Shu below). It's roughly 1/3 the size of a regular Shu.

Left: Standard Shu Curler, Right: Mini Shu Curler

In the past four years or so, my Shu lash curler is the only lash curler I have used. Prior to my Shu, I would purchase a new lash curler from my local Dollar Store every month. By the end of the month, the pad would be slit through the middle and the hinges would most likely be loose. My Shu has been carelessly tossed in my handbag almost every day and has withstood lots of handling and it's still in perfect condition. It's really the best curler I've tried. It doesn't pull my mascara off, pull my lashes out or pinch my lids.

Everyone has a different eye shape, so some may have trouble finding a lash curler that fits to the contour of their eye. If you have very rounded eyelids, or very flat eyelids (not only those - you may have very small eyes, very wide eyes, etc) you may find that your lash curler skips some of your lashes. So, while most of your lashes are sticking up, the ones in the corners may be sticking down.

Whats great about the mini is, you can get to all of your lashes with precision. No lashes left out! In the picture below I curled my lashes with one coat of mascara on. But, with this lash curler, I find it much easier to curl your lashes without mascara on. When wearing mascara, it was a little more difficult to get in between my row of lashes to curl them all the way across.

All you have to do is start out in the beginning of your lashline, clamp the curler, release, and continue working your way across your lashline.

I know Japonesque also makes a similar style curler that is available at ULTA, sold for around $10.

Do you own this curler or similar? Love it? Or was it a complete waste of money?

Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge Review!

Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge

The Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge ($9.99, Target) is a reusable sponge that is used to apply and blend your foundation. It has a precision tip, making it easy to reach small areas (such as under the eyes, around the nose, etc.)

Since I don't own the original Beauty Blender ($19.99), I won't be able to compare them, but I've read several reviews and have seen many recommendations for the Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge as a good dupe for the Beauty Blender.

I've never used a reusable sponge to apply my foundation, but I watched a video by MakeupByTiffanyD and found it extremely helpful. In her video she shows how to use the Beauty Blender and does an overall review.

You are suppose to run the sponge under water, then squeeze the excess water out. By doing this, it won't soak up as much liquid product, and the sponge will feel softer to the touch. Then, dip the bottom sponge in your foundation, and apply it in a stippling motion or a dab-and-roll motion. For concealer and smaller areas, the tip of the sponge is helpful.

I followed the directions and stippled my foundation on with the sponge, and right away noticed that I had to go back a couple of times for more foundation, which I never typically have to do. It seemed to eat up more foundation than a brush would. Not only did the sponge "eat" up more foundation, but my foundation also looked sheerer than usual. It applied my makeup very thin on my face, and I could still see redness from my cheeks peek through, which would never happen when applying with my foundation brush. 

My foundation looked very even, and there weren't any areas with caking. Sometimes when I use my brush, too much foundation will sit in some of my fine lines - especially my laugh lines, but with the blending sponge it applies the makeup very thin, so it doesn't happen.

Lastly, one thing that bothered me was the actual smell of the sponge. It reeked of fresh rubber. The smell actually gave me a headache and made my hands smell like rubber. I've washed it quite a few times, but the smell is still a little bit present. I'm sure with regular washing it will go away, but I thought it was worth a mention.

Overall, I'm not completely sold on this sponge and I don't think it's really worth the hype in terms of foundation application. I think this sponge would work much better with cream foundations, as it seems to absorb too much liquid with my regular foundation. Also, because it seems to sheer out my foundation by applying it in a very thin layer, it'd be ideal for opaque and heavy foundations.

I'll only be using this sponge for blending and touch-ups when I need it, and I'll be sticking with my brush for application.

Please bear in mind that this is my opinion only, based on my experience! :)