A handful of products that I've been using lately...

I haven't purchased nearly as much makeup as I use to (as I haven't blogged in so long and haven't found the need to buy in excess), but I thought I'd share some of the products I've been using lately that I haven't talked about before!

Sonia Kashuk Perfecting Luminous Foundation - I purchased this on a whim at Target when I completely ran out of foundation and needed a simple every-day foundation. I wasn't expecting much, but I ended up really liking it for daily wear. The coverage is light, but buildable to a light-medium. It conceals my skin imperfections pretty well and evens out my skintone. The finish is really natural and makes my skin look slightly glowy and fresh, and it lasts all day. I'd compare it to something like L'Oreal True Match Lumi, but with a creamier BB Cream-like texture. The only downside is that the tube only has 0.06 oz (what!?) and you can't unscrew the product to scoop out any last bits of product. With daily use, I finished the bottle in barely three weeks. I will repurchase though, because I do really like it. For reference I purchased the shade Vanilla, which is good for light, warm skintones tones (around MAC NC20 coloring). If I'm around NC30, I'd go for Buff. 

MAC Prep + Prime Beauty Balm - I have still yet to find my absolute favorite BB cream, but recently I've been using this one from MAC. The coverage isn't the best, but it's buildable. If you want a solid medium coverage, you'd have to apply a good amount, and by that point, it feels a little sticky on the skin until it's set with a powder. So instead, I like adding a pump of my regular medium coverage foundation with this and it provides me natural coverage for daily wear. I'll finish the tube, but I don't think I'd repurchase. I think there cheaper alternatives out there that work better. If you use this, I'd love to know what you think of it in the comments. 

Maybelline Fit Me! Shine Free Stick Foundation - As far as foundation goes, this product isn't very good, but I use it for the sole purpose of contouring/bronzing. I purchased this stick in the shade Cappuccino, which is a really nice caramel-brown. I like buffing the product through my cheeks and around the frame of my face to give me a natural, bronzed look. It can also work good as a base for powder bronzer if you have issues with your bronzer fading quickly throughout the day. 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer - I've been wanting to try this concealer for years, and I finally bought a tube along with a fresh bottle of Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation (I'll talk about that later - it was one of my top foundations until it was reformulated and with three days of use I had a face full of acne that took over a month to clear up). I guess I was a bit underwhelmed with the results, as I expected it to have full coverage, but it doesn't. It's thick, yet it's translucent, so I need an additional brightener under my eyes as the shadows under my eyes still peek through. Again, with this product I'll try finishing the tube, but I don't think I'll be repurchasing.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder - This has been my new favorite setting powder. It's really finely milled and doesn't add any color to the skin, it just softens the complexion and adds a soft glow. I use it every day with a stippling brush, and I even like using it with a beauty blender to set my under-eye concealer (you do have to be careful not to apply too much because It can stay in one spot and not move once you've blotted a load to an area). I have this powder in the shade diffused light, and it works perfectly for when I'm lighter or tan. 

Kat Von D Tattoo Eyeliner - Love this stuff! If you like Stila's Stay All Day Liquid Liner, you'll like this one too. The shape and density of the felt tip is perfect for creating a wing, and the pigment is really dark. I still like Stila a little bit better, as it's waterproof, but this one is a for sure second. Plus, I was able to find a three-pack at TJ Maxx for under $10 - was I just lucky? 

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base - I've talked about this before on my blog, but in the past, I've only used samples from the BB counter. I finally purchased a full sized container, and I've really been enjoying using it daily under my makeup. It moisturizes my sensitive skin really well without irritating it or making it greasy, and it makes my skin look fresh and supple. It's a bit expensive, but a little goes a long way. If you feel uneasy about contaminating the product with your fingers, I'd recommend buying cosmetic spatulas from your local beauty supply store, or even eBay.

Unite Hair Products - I've been wanting to talk about this brand for months. This has been the main brand I've been using for haircare. I learned about it from the salon I go to occasionally, and Unite is the brand they use exclusively. Each time the products were used on my hair I loved the way my hair looked, smelled, and felt, so I would end up buying at least one product each time I'd get my hair done. What I love is that the shampoos are sulfate-free and the products are all free of parabens. My main favorite products are the 7 Seconds Condition Leave-in Spray, U Luxury Argan Oil and my newest favorite, the Lazer Straight Relaxing Fluid, which relaxes my hair really well prior to blowdrying. I've also used a few of their shampoos and conditioners - right now I'm using the Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner (I have very dry hair) which work really well, but it's so moisturizing that with repeated use, my hair gets a little weighed down, so I need to use a clarifying shampoo every couple of weeks. Highly recommend Unite - all of their products have great reviews on Amazon.

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream Review, Photos, Swatches!

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream ($9) is described as a "1-step wonder" for your skin. It combines 8 skin benefits for instant skin perfection. These benefits include: bluring your skins imperfections, brightening up the skin, evening out the skintone, smoothing, enhancing and hydrating your skin, and lastly protects your skin with 30 SPF. It also doesn't contain any oils or heavy ingredients.

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream is available in (5) shades: Light, Light/Medium, Medium, Medium/Deep and Deep.

Since the formula is so sheer, it's very forgiveable if you pick up a shade that is too light or dark. I have the shade Light/Medium, and it works really well for me when I have a light tan going on - around the MAC NC25 coloring.

It has a really creamy wet consistency - very reminiscent of the texture of Physicians Formula Super BB Cream. The very creamy consistency allows the product to glide across the skin really well like a moisturizer. 

My method of application is my fingers, applying it as I would a moisturizer, in small, light circular motions until blended. If I want to build slightly more coverage (not much, though) I'll add an additional layer on certain areas by dabbing and lightly dragging the product down my face until blended.

The coverage is sheer to light. It won't conceal imperfections, but it will tint the skin as well as make the skin look more even. I really like the way it looks on my skin. I use facial self tanners, so sometimes my skin isn't always even, and this evens out my skin color well and makes my skin look smooth, fresh and dewy. 

This is ideal for those who already have pretty good skin, but would like something extremely natural and sheer on days where you don't want to wear makeup or don't want to look like you are wearing makeup. It's great for daytime, especially if you spend some time in the sun because it has a high SPF. You won't catch me running errands bare faced, but I like to wear this and a little concealer when I want to fake it!

Now, if I don't set it with a light dusting of powder, it's just a little too dewy for my taste. I've worn it without a powder on a few occasions, and my skin felt like it was greasy and just about every area of my face looked shiny. Because of that, I wouldn't necessarily recommend this BB Cream if you have oily skin. It's actually targeted for normal skin, but I find it to be really moisturizing, so I believe it'd work well for dry skin too. 

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream in Light/Medium swatched and blended

Maybelline Hot Plum Color Sensational Vivids Lip Color Review, Photos, Swatches!

Maybelline Hot Plum Color Sensational Vivids Lip Color

Maybelline Hot Plum Color Sensational Vivids Lip Color ($6) is a vibrant fuchsia pink with a creamy, balm-like finish. It's fairly pink for a lipstick named 'Hot Plum', so if you're expecting something more plum/purple, this won't be it. It's really gorgeous never-the-less, and if you love bright, cool-toned pinks, you'll love this lipstick.

The formula is wonderful. The lipstick applies smoothly and the color is almost opaque in one pass. It's also hydrating enough where I don't need to apply a lip balm first, though I wouldn't particularly consider it to be moisturizing (very few lipsticks are with my dry lips). It's lightweight, has a little slip to it and feels good on the lips.

What's impressive is the lasting power. The color stays strong for several hours and leaves a lingering bright pink stain behind on the lips once most of the lipstick wears off.

Would I recommend? Heck yes! I want every single shade in the Vivids line. They're all beautiful! If you want to see swatches of every shade, check out Beautezine.

Maybelline Hot Plum Color Sensational Vivids Lipstick on my lips

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. 

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Concealer Review, Photos and Swatches!

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Concealer

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Concealer ($9.99) is a super-concentrated and pigmented liquid concealer combined with goji berry and haloxyl to help erase the appearance of dark circles and puffiness around the eyes. It has a unique tube design in that when you twist the top, product will be released in the round, squishy applicator sponge.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Concealer is available in (6) shades: Fair, Light, Medium, Honey, Neutralizer and Brightener. Although the neutralizer shade can be used on it's own, it's also recommended for extreme dark circles to apply underneath your regular concealer for maximum coverage. The brightener shade is pink based used to brighten up areas of the eyes and face.

I was conflicted which shade to purchase. For reference, I have medium skin with warm undertones (MAC NC35 coloring currently). Fair and Light looked too light for me, and Medium looked too dark. So, I ended up with Neutralizer.

Neutralizer is a light peachy yellow color. It seems to apply slightly lighter than it looks in the tube, and it's a little too light for me, but works fine if I blend a little foundation on top. (See swatches at the end of this post.) Medium would've probably been a better match for me.

You have to twist the tube several times to get it going at first and thereafter a small amount is dispersed with each twist. You can apply it to your undereyes with the sponge directly, or you can wipe the product off with your finger to apply or wipe the product off with a concealer brush. I like using it directly from the tube, as I think the sponge is the funnest part of using this product!

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Concealer Before & After. (my skin is not moisturized prior, so you can see it looks a bit dry and powdery)

Here's how it looks with my skin moisturized applied over my foundation. (you can see it looks much better)

Spotted Maybelline Define-a-brow Eyebrow Pencil at Dollar Tree!

I know the Maybelline Define-a-Brow has been a drugstore brow-filler favorite among many of us (including myself) and was shocked to see it on the rack at my local Dollar Tree today. There were at least twenty of them, all in the shade Dark Brown. Many have compared this pencil to the MAC Eye Brows retractable brow pencil - I agree!

Apparently Maybelline hasn't discontinued the product, but they discontinued the shade "Deep Brown", which confuses me because I'd assume it'd be a popular shade for dark brunettes.

I think they're trying to re-direct consumers to their newer brow product, the Maybelline Master Shape Brow Pencil, and won't be surprised if they get rid of Define-a-Brow all together. They aren't really comparable products, I like both, but Define-a-Brow has an advantage, as it's retractable (no sharpening) and the product has a small tip (for precise shaping of the brows). Maybelline Master Shape has to be sharpened frequently and due to the soft waxy texture of the pencil, you can't get a very sharp point.

I know stock of discontinued cosmetics will differ from location to location, but I just wanted to make sure you were all aware that you might be able to spot this pencil at Dollar Tree. It's regularly around $8, for only $1 at Dollar Tree - very well worth it!!

My eyebrow before and after it has been filled in with Maybelline Define-a-Brow in Dark Brown.

Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes Mascara Review + Before and After!

Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes Mascara

I'm sure the majority of us, regardless of age, have owned this little pink tube of mascara with the green cap at some point in our life. When I pass by the the makeup aisles and catch a glance at Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, it instantly reminds me of when I was about twelve or thirteen, when I first developed my love for makeup. Sure, it wasn't "all that", but it was cheap and at the time, it got the job done.

Needless to say, I have never repurchased it since because I like a little (or a lot) more oomph in my lashes, which the very natural, smudgy results of Maybelline Great Lash didn't prevail. So, Maybelline came out with a little something called Maybelline Great Lash Lots of Lashes, a new spin on the classic original. 

This new mascara claims to provide "lots of impact", while the unique brush design grabs each lash for maximum separation and volume.

*Note: The directions state to not let this mascara dry between coats. For the best results, apply the mascara until you are satisfied with the achieved look. (more about this later)

It's available in three shades: Blackest Black, Very Black and Brown Black. I chose Blackest Black, as I always do.

Maybelline SuperStay 14-Hr Lipstick in Please Stay Plum.

Maybelline SuperStay 14-Hr Lipsticks launched at the start of the new year, and frankly, we haven't heard too much buzz about them.

Maybelline already has a Stain Gloss and Lip Color (the standard double-sided sponge applicator lip color with a clear conditioning balm on the opposite end), but they added a lipstick to the line, promising 14 hours of non-drying, comfortable wear.

Available in 20 shades: Perpetual Peony, Ultimate Blush, Fuschia Forever, Eternal Rose, Beige For Good, Never Ending Nude, Ceaseless Caramel, Consistently Truffle, Lasting Chestnut, Pout on Pink, Ravishing Rouge, Eduring Ruby, Timeless Crimson, Continuous Cranberry, Keep Me Coral, Infinite Iris, Till Mauve Do Us Part, Please Stay Plum, Endless Raisin, Wine and Forever.

I have Please Stay Plum, a deep, creamy wine.

I think the 14-hour claim is really alluring, as we all want our lipstick to last all day, but it also makes some of us weary because usually along with "long-lasting" lipstick formulas, you're usually left with lips that are shriveled, crying for moisture.

Maybelline Bold Gold Eyestudio Color Tattoo Eyeshadow Review!

Maybelline Eyestudio Bold Gold Color Tattoo Eyeshadow

I previously posted about a couple Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadows last month, and since then have been using them (mostly Bad to the Bronze) a couple days out of the week. 

Shorlty after, I picked up one additional shade, Bold Gold, which is basically a shimmery, medium toned brassy-gold. 

Bold Gold is a great shade that can be used alone, for a simple wash of color across the lids, or it can be used as a base for a powder eyeshadow to prolong the wear of the shadow, and to make any golden hues in the powder eyeshadow stand out more.

One of the ways I like wearing this shadow is applied all over the lid, with a soft brown shadow blended through the crease, and the top lid lined with a dark brown liquid (or pencil) liner for a quick and simple look.

(Cropped from a previous post)

My favorite application method is with my fingers, or a flat synthetic concealer brush. If you want more opaque color, a sponge eyeshadow applicator works well.

Maybelline Eyestudio Bold Gold Color Tattoo Eyeshadow

READ MORE! 

Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer Review, Photos and Swatches!

Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer

After blogging for a while, you start recognizing the products that get the most praise and recognition. Because of the popularity and rave reviews, you'll ultimately get sucked into purchasing a "blogger pick/favorite" sooner or later, some being great, and others - not so much.

Concealer is one of my favorite items of makeup. I'll never get tired of my endless endeavor, searching my local stores high and low for the best medium-full coverage, lightweight, brightening, non-caking, non-creasing, long-lasting concealer. Maybe my standards are too high? There are some concealers I favor - Hard Candy Glamoflauge (perfecto, but a little too dewy & not long lasting), MAC concealers (Pro Longwear, Studio Finish, Select Cover-up), but I've grown completely bored with them and am on the lookout for a new-found love!

Could it be Maybelline Mineral Power Concealer? I surely hoped so, but it does fall short of my standards.

PRODUCT DETAILS:

• Blends easily for complete yet natural coverage
• Conceals imperfections and undereye darkness all day
• Pure color, natural luminous finish
• Ophthalmologist tested
• Talc, oil and fragrance free, non-pore-clogging

There are six (6) shades in total: Fair 10, Ivory 20, Cream 30, Sand 40, Beige 50 and Latte 60. 

Depending on the store you're purchasing from/location you may have a limited shade selection. The few CVS stores in my area only stocked the lightest 2-3 shades. I ended up getting "Cream" due to the limited shade selection.

Maybelline Bad to the Bronze & Tough as Taupe Color Tattoo Eyeshadows Review!

 Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Eyeshadows

Those that follow other beauty blogs, I'm sure you're all very familiar with these newly launched Maybelline cream eyeshadows. They've been flying off the shelves along with the L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows, as soon as they hit stores at the start of 2012.

Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadows are cream/gel fomula eyeshadows with intense pigment, that claim to hold up for 24 hours without creasing.

Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadows are available in ten (10) shades: #10 Fierce and Tangy, #05 Too Cool, #15 Audacious Asphalt, #20 Painted Purple, #25 Bad to the Bronze, #30 Pomegranate Punk, #35 Tough as Taupe, #40 Tenacious Teal, #45 Bold Gold and #50 Edgy Emerald.

I only picked up two shades, Bad to the Bronze and Tough as Taupe, which are two very versatile, neutral shades.

Bad to the Bronze is a metallic chocolate brown-bronze with very fine shimmers. It doesn't lean orange or red, and is a fairly neutral shade.

Tough Taupe is a matte dove grey. It appears slightly lighter in the container, but when swatched, the color is a bit deeper. It's very much on the neutral-cool side.

#25 Bad to the Bronze & #35 Tough as Taupe

Maybelline Volume Express One By One Mascara Review!

Maybelline One by One Volum' Express Mascara

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Patented lash catcher brush has 3 bristles per lash to make every lash count. It catches, coats and de-clumps each lash to make them all fatter and flirtier. Instant clump-free volume. Contact lens safe and ophthalmologist tested. Washable. (There are often Kmart coupon codes available for Maybelline)

Lash Catcher? Well, that's a fancy title for a mascara wand. The unique wand design is the star of the show in Maybelline's One by One Mascara, which I'm not actually too keen of. The shape is a rounded oval (like a football), with rows of rubber bristles that start out short and ascend toward the middle and descend again at the end. There's a tiny bit of space between each row, specifically so there are less bristles touching your lashes (think of it as one on one time with your lash and the bristle) to "catch" or coat your individual lashes. The result should be separated lashes with a little bit of volume, minus the clumps.

Review: Maybelline Eye Studio Master Shape Brow Pencil (Swatches + Before & After)

Maybelline Eye Studio Master Shape Brow Pencil

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: 

Master Shade: Subtle color pigments enhance your natural brow look
Master Shape: soft grooming brush adds final definition
Master Hold: exclusive wax technology keeps brows in place

Opthomologist tested - safe for sensitive eyes - Contact lens safe

Application: Fill and define brows using small, light strokes following natural brow shape. Groom brow upward and outward with brush to blend color and set brows.

What it basically is, is a tinted wax pencil. It's a little bit different than a retractable crayon (Maybelline Define-a-Brow or MAC Brows) for instance, as it's less crumbly and less pigmented. It's also the case for a standard brow pencil. Although heavy pigment is awesome for an eyeliner, it's a little less awesome for your brows.

As far as I know, it's available in four shades: Blonde, Auburn, Soft Brown and Deep Brown. This product is so new that it hasn't popped up on the Maybelline website yet, so I'm sure if there are any other additional shades.

 (Photo snapped in Walmart last night) From Left to Right: #260 Deep Brown, #255 Soft Brown, #265 Auburn and  #250 Blonde.

I picked up Deep Brown, as my hair is a very dark brown with no golden tones.

CONTINUE READING FOR SWATCHES + BEFORE & AFTER!

Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in Pink Frosting.

Maybelline Pink Frosting Dream Mousse Blush

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

• Air-whipped mousse blush feels satin-soft on skin, glides on smoothly, and blends easily for seamless color and a natural finish
• Long-wearing formula provides luminous, long-lasting color on cheeks without clogging pores

APPLICATION:

With your fingertips, pat a small amount of blush onto the apples of your cheeks. Use feathery strokes to blend gently from your cheekbones to your temples. To build color intensity, apply more blush.

* For application, I much better prefer a (synthetic) duo-fiber brush such as the MAC 188 or Coastal Scents Tapered Duo Fiber Brush, although fingers can also be used.

Pink Frosting is a light pink that's a little bit on the cool side, with a scatter of fine, golden shimmer.

Maybelline Superstay 24 HR Makeup Review!

Maybelline Superstay 24 HR Makeup

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Foundation gives superior coverage and provides 24-hour wear. Superstay 24HR Makeup by Maybelline incorporates a Micro-Flex technology formulated to withstand heat, sweat and humidity - yet stays comfortable and looks flawless. Oil-free makeup will not transfer. Dermatologist tested. Fragrance Free. Suitable for all skin types.

There are twelve (12) shades in total, so finding your perfect match may be a little difficult with the limited shade selection. The shades are as follows: Porcelain Ivory, Sand Beige, Classic Ivory, Natural Beige, Nude, Classic Beige, Pure Beige, Natural Tan, True Beige, Honey Beige, Caramel and Cocoa. I purchased this foundation because I was in need of a foundation to wear when I'm not tan, so I chose the shade "Sand Beige", which seems to be around the MAC NC20 coloring.

Review: Maybelline Volume Express The Falsies Mascara (and a comparison to The Falsies Flared)

Maybelline The Falsies Mascara

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: 

• Patented Spoon Brush fans out lashes from corner-to-corner, while our Pro-Keratin formula instantly builds volume without clumping
• Unique flexible wand helps to lift and separate lashes to provide the look of 300% more visible, fuller lashes, no gaps from any angle
• Contact lens safe and ophthalmologist-tested
• Washable, also available in Waterproof formula

For Best Results - Hold brush with spoon side upwards against lashes and sweep from root to tip. Repeat until desired look is achieved. Do not let dry between coats. Removes easily with soap and water.

READ MORE FOR ADDITIONAL PHOTOS & MY REVIEW!

Review: Maybelline Volume Express Falsies FLARED Mascara!

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
• Patented Spoon Curler Brush fans out lashes from corner-to-corner, while our Pro-Keratin formula instantly builds volume without clumping.
• Unique flexible wand lifts and separates lashes to provide the look of 300% more visible, lashes.
• Contact lens safe and ophthalmologist-tested.
• Washable, also available in waterproof formula.

To be completely honest, I have no idea what the difference between the "flared" version and regular version are. I looked on the Maybelline website and the product description for both were the same. If you do know, please let me know in the comments!

Some of you may already know, my favorite mascara for the past couple of years has been Covergirl Lash Blast (the regular orange tube - although the purple and red tubes are fine too) But as of lately, I've been a bit bored with the same mascara for such a long time. Recently I picked up a few Maybelline mascaras to test out, and I've been using The Falsies Flared daily for a couple of weeks now.

First things first, the packaging and wand. The packaging is pretty simple, but I think it's really pretty, especially with the wings design on the cap (I suppose they're supposed to represent long, curled lashes), but it is a much prettier tube to have in my clear cosmetic bag rather than the bulky orange tube of Lash Blast. I personally love the wand. It's not plastic, which is a nice change and is large, fluffy and slightly curved. It makes applying mascara very simple to the top and bottom lashes. **bear in mind that if you have very short or sparse lashes, this wand may give you a bit of trouble as it is pretty large.

The actual formula of the mascara is quite good too. It does seem to lengthen my lashes (nothing too dramatic though) and it's easy to build volume with continuous strokes of the brush. It is a little bit of a drier formula, so I find that it works best to apply a second coat right away, because if you wait to long, the first coat may be a little too dry, resulting in flaking or clumping. I think this mascara does a great job separating, and I rarely have to use a lash comb to separate any clumps.

Here are my lashes with two coats of mascara. Looks great!

Lastly, throughout the day, there are no smudges/transfer below my eyes - which is a total score for me because most mascaras I end up trying will transfer throughout the day. My only complaint about this mascara is that IT FLAKES! It's nothing horrifying, but I do have to check my mirror every few hours because there will for sure be a few little tiny flakes that have landed on my cheeks. Definitely not a mascara you want to take a nap in and then plan on going out afterward, because flake city will be sitting under your eyes. *sigh*

I can deal with the very mild flaking because I really do like the appearance of this mascara on my lashes, and I will re-purchase if I find it on a sale that's too good to pass up - but I will be exploring my other options. 

I purchased the regular version of The Falsies, and haven't tried it yet, but I will post a review for it as well (if the formula is any different? As of now, I don't know if it is).

Have you tried this mascara? What did you think of it?

My Face Today! Wearing Maybelline Fit Me Foundation & Concealer..

(I took these photos by a window in the late afternoon with no flash. The lighting looks different in some photos because it was a little cloudy out and the sun would come and go.)

Face:

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

Bobbi Brown Corrector #Light Peach

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation #220

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer #20

MAC Smooth Harmony Beauty Powder

Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush #15 Orchid Rose

Urban Decay Eyeshadow #Sin (used as a highlight on my cheekbones)

Eyes:

MAC Paint #Bare Canvas (as a base all over my lid)

MAC Ricepaper Eyeshadow (all over my lid - stopping at my crease & smudged under my lower lashline halfway)

MAC Espresso Eyeshadow (applied in my crease and extended up and outward)

MAC Nehru Eyeshadow (deepened my outer "V")

Covergirl LineExact Liquid Liner #Black Brown

Ardell Wispies False Lashes applied with Duo (Black) Adhesive

Covergirl Professional Super Thick Lash Mascara

Brows:

Essence Eyebrow Designer #02 Brown

Lips:

Rimmel 1,000 Kisses Stay On Lip Liner #Indian Pink (just the outline)

NYX Round Lipgloss #Doll Pink

and Rocky wouldn't stop biting the curtains and my feet, so I held him for a few pictures.. lol

Update: My thoughts about Maybelline Fit Me still remain the same. I've been wearing it more and more and I love it.. love the consistency and coverage.. but my only compaint is still that it simply fades too quickly and I have to touch up a few times a day..

In other news, lol.. I made a purchase last night on Sephora.com with one of my Christmas gift cards! I'm a little sad I didn't get to order a foundation. I REALLY wanted to try Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation.. but I'm stuck on which color to get.. So Instead I held off and ordered a bronzer, blush, a couple of eye shadows and a lipstick! I can't wait to haul all of the products and show you swatches!

And by the way, did you notice I'm sporting a bold lip again? I think 2011 might entail trying lots of new colors. I love NYX Doll Pink.. I've had it for over a year though and this may be my third time wearing it. I'm going to keep it in my bag and try wearing it more often.. I think the color suits me well.. :)

Maybelline Born with It and Pink Please Color Sensational Lipsticks Review, Photos & Swatches!

Maybelline Born with It and Pink Please Color Sensational Lipsticks

Born with it and Pink Please are extremely similar. They are both light pinks - Pink Please is a bubblegum pink with no frost/sparkle and Born with it is the slightest touch lighter and has a very fine, shimmery sheen. In the tubes they both appear to be shiny like a MAC Cremesheen or Lustre.

When I initially purchased these lipsticks, I thought they were going to be warm pinks.. But applied to the lips they are pretty neutral. Pink Please is slightly warmer than Born With It. On my lips, they both appear to be slight lilac pinks. The sparkle in Born With It is barely visible - it just makes the lipstick appear slightly shiny. I could really only tell the difference between the two when I applied them heavily. Applied heavy, Pink Please is definitely bolder. Born with it is a little lighter and natural.

Maybelline FIT ME Foundation & Concealer Review, Photos & Swatches!

Maybelline FIT ME Foundation & Concealer

The first time I caught a glimpse of this line was at Wal-mart a couple of weeks ago. I was right away very interested because of the sleek packaging and the golden-yellow shades this line had to offer, which is very hard to find in drugstore foundations. I didn't see a price though, so I passed it up. It wasn't until last weekend when I was at my local Jewel/Osco browsing the cosmetic aisle, I spotted the display - the foundation was on sale for only $5.99!! So, I found my match and purchased a bottle.

PRODUCT DETAILS

Maybelline FIT ME Foundation

Blends beautifully for an undetectable finish. It does not clog pores. Leaves your skin the way it is supposed to be.. Fresh, Breathing & Flawless. The secret to the weightless coverage & natural finish is the translucent base & ultra light weight pigments. Fit Me's translucent base is less opaque so your natural hues will come through for a better match. Sheer to Medium coverage that is buildable. SPF 18. Comes in 18 shades.

Maybelline FIT ME Concealer 

Apply to spots, blemishes & dark circles. The concealer uses similar technology to the foundation so you can cover imperfections seamlessly. There are 6 shades that coordinate with the foundation shades.

Maybelline FIT ME Powder

Like the foundation, the powder is never cakey & completely natural looking because the ultra light pigments are so blendable and gives skin the most natural finish with the perfect shade match. Comes in 18 shades, that coordinate with the foundation colors. Apply after your foundation and concealer for a flawless look for the day.

Maybelline FIT ME Blush

Designed to find the right shade that will compliment your skin tone, rather than clash with it. Comes in 12 shades of blush and 3 shades of bronzer.

(Source: Gabriel Almodovar)