Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara Review

 

Hey lovelies! I was raving to Kia about the Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara, so she asked that I share my thoughts with all of you on the blog. Well, it’s been a few weeks and I’ve had time to really form an opinion about this product.

First, let me tell you that this mascara was brought to my attention by watching others’ reviews and hearing how much they loved it. Secondly, before I decided to search for this mascara, I visited the Five Below in my area for something totally different, and happened upon it for three bucks. Done deal in my book! So, if you decide to give this mascara a try, check your area Five Below first :o)

The first few times I used the mascara, I was doing make up on the go. I had to do five-minute looks in the car. I loved it! It made my lashes nice and bold, black and gave the volume I was looking for. Winning, right?

Well, when I finally took my time with the mascara, as I created a more intricate look, I found a couple of things that leave more to be desired from this product. Here’s a list of the pros and cons.

PROS

Volumizing

Lengthening

Darkens lashes well

Defines lashes well

CONS

Causes spider lashes when building

Defines lashes, but some become stuck together

Dries really fast

Here’s how I overcame the issues I had with the mascara:

I monitored how much mascara was on the wand when I took it out of the well and adjusted it as necessary. I know this is a step that we all take, but I had to do this more than usual with this particular mascara.

Secondly, I used a disposable mascara wand to separate my lashes and take away any excess mascara, while they were still wet. I did this to ensure that my lashes didn’t look like spiders.

In my opinion, this is not mascara that you can really build on and separate lashes without having a clumpy look. However, because it dries pretty quickly, if you’re a one and done type of girl that doesn’t obsess over every lash being in a specific place, this will work just fine for you. For three bucks, it’s definitely doable. However, I won’t be using it in lieu of my L’Oreal Voluminous anytime soon. So far, I have been using it along with other mascaras, since I do appreciate the volumizing effect of the Rimmel Lash Accelerator. If you currently use this mascara, be sure to tell us what you think. Also, let us know what your fave mascara is. Until next time… Make up, not war.

Nars Sin vs Black Radiance Plum Sorbet... Dupes? Pictures and Swatches

Hi guys!!
I'm loving the Black Radiance Artisan Color Baked blushes.  I wasn't sure what Plum Sorbet had in store, but once I swatched it I was reminded of another blush I own, Nars Sin.  I set out to compare them.  In the skin swatch (top photo) Nars is on the left and Black Radiance is on the right. Nars is a bit more rosey with a golden sheen while Plum Sorbet is a hint more true plum.  On my medium- NC43 (NC42 and 44 mixed, lol) skin, the two look very similar. that I can't tell them apart when wearing them blended like normal blush.  Heavier swatches may reveal their differences, but I won't wear them that way.  For all intents and purposes, they are dupes in my book.  Try them on your skin and tell me what you think!

Are you following me on Instagram where I post most of these pics first?

First Look: New Black Radiance Bronzer in Blackberry Photos and Swatches

(Swatches Blackberry bronzer l-r: blended out, single swipe)

I saw a few new items from Black Radiance in the drugstore over the weekend.  This was the most unique item.  Blackberry bronzer is a swirl of darkest grape or blackberry, lilac and caramel for a the deepest bronze glow I've ever seen.   I tried it on me with a skunk brush (MAC #187) and it appeared like smoke, sheer black with a sheen to it. I can't wait to use it on the right skin tone!

Have you seen this or tried it? 

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Mascara in Indigo Review

Estee Lauder's Topaz Collection  for Spring (2012) is all the rage right now with bronzey hues and turquoise.  Their Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelee in Topaz is the star of the collection-- a beautiful compact powder that blends a gel and powder for an enriched bronze color.  Creative Makeup Director Tom Picheaux, gives us bold colors in a chic way, befitting of the Lauder brand. 

I went, I saw and I didn't walk away with anything from the collection.  *Sad face* The powder gelee compact was so gorgeous, but for me, the color was so rich it was more of a copper eye shadow than a bronze dusting for my face.  The shadows in the collection are to die for. I couldn't pick one!  I wish those came in a palette form!

However, I walked away with the Sumptuous Extreme Lash Mascara in Indigo ($23.50).  Let's take a look at it!

From Estee Lauder's site:
Lashes seem to multiply, magnify, grow to extremes.
Three different high-volume fibers create audacious, false-lash effects.

THE FORMULA
Extreme Bold Volume™ formula is a blend of three high-volume fibers in a mousse-light base.
Acts like lash extensions multiplying and growing the look of lashes. Fortified with conditioning Lash-Advancing Vitamin Complex. Ophthalmologist tested.  Fragrance free.

THE BRUSH
Oversized BrushComber Extreme™ with two types of bristles-flexible fibers carry maximum formula; solid fibers comb and separate for clump-free definition.

THE COLOR IMPACT
Prismatic pearls intensify pigment and luster. Eyes look brighter, wider, more seductive.

THE LOOK
Outrageous volume, lift and curves for an audacious, false-lash effect.


Pros:

• Gorgeous conservative blue color
• Nice sized brush.  Not too big or small, but does fall on the larger end of brushes
• The formula is not heavy on the eyes
• Standard- no smudging, flaking, no serious clumping issues...

Cons:

• As a lengthening and volumizing mascara, none of the claims are met.
• Price

Before lashes

After lashes

After lashes with flash

Mascara (with makeup look)  on top of Maybelline Falsies mascara

I'm mostly impressed with the color.  I own Dior Show mascara in Azure.  That is electric cobalt mascara.    Super gorg, but not for the faint at heart nor anyone wanting to add a little spice to their makeup at work.  With EL's indigo, I felt very comfortable at work with this on.  The appearance of the color of this mascara ranges as a tint to the lashes to a soft colored mascara.   At a few feets length, the color can be seen, but not super noticeable.  A few more feet and it appeared that I had on blue liner.  In the sun, I had blue lashes, but nothing clownish.

While I'm impressed with the color, I still wanted the mascara to deliver in at least the volumizing department.  Without the mascara meeting the claims, I was very disappointed.  I have been using the indigo over my regular black, but i think that takes away from the color.  I will use primer before using this mascara.  I may not repurchase this.  I'm hoping to be blown away by the combination of primer and the color of this mascara.

Do you have this mascara?  What's your favorite colored mascara?

MAC Clarity Semi-Precious Eye Shadow Photo

 So many cool products were released back in July with the Semi Precious collection, but I walked away with only one of these hot cakes. I haven't used it because it's so pretty (and with other collections being released left and right, I didn't have a chance.)

Now, that this pic is chronicled on the blog I can mess it up and enjoy it!  Do you remember this collection?  Did you get Clarity?

Throw back product of the day- 1st Edition

Hey guys! As a result of trying to shop my stash I came across a few old items that I used to love that I wanted to share. I'm going to tell you about one of them today.

Can you guess what product I'm wearing that I'm featuring as my "Throw back product of the day"? Look closely!
Nope, not the pale (maybe too pale) lip gloss I was trying out....

Do you see a difference in this pic and the pic above? If you guessed FRECKLES then you're right!! Have a cookie! A throw back product that I've had for a while now (according to my memory circa 2000-2001) is a Lancome Freckle Crayon. I have a few freckles or sun spots (as the derms have been calling them) of my own, more prominently around the nose and mouth area.
See? Well, ehh, you get the picture.

I bought this before I was really into makeup like I am now. Lancome had the "it" counter; a girl had to have a Juicy Tube in her purse! When I saw the promo ad for this I had to have it. I think freckles are beautiful and you know people like to have what they don't. I knew a set of twins that were speckled from head to toe with gorgeous freckles. Their unique freckles could help you tell them apart too! ;)
I'm sure I've told this to yall before, but once I met a guy wearing my 'freckles that he commented were "so cute". When we went on our date, I no longer had freckles.. hehe! Can you imagine the peeps and side eye I got? LOL! A weave can come and go too! ;D



Here are some swatches and comparisons: (from left to right OR bottom to top --the long swatch lines) MAC Cork lip liner, Lancome Freckle Crayon, NYX Rose Brown lip liner, NYX Nutmeg lip liner, MAC Spiked eye brow pencil, MAC Stubborn Brown eye liner

The closest, most similar color was MAC's Stubborn Brown eye liner, which is the small, dark, line swatch next to the long swatch of the Lancome Freckle pencil. The freckle pencil had the right amount of orange and brown, but dark enough to mimic real pigmentation spots. Stubborn brown seems to almost hit the mark, but without the hint of orange it needs to make the spots appear real (on my skin tone).

I think the freckle pencil/marker trend is resurging. Would you try it?

MAC Studio Careblend Powder, Review, Swatches and Comparison

MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder: "Formulated to provide a smooth, virtually invisible, fresh-looking finish, this soft, cream-like powder is carefully blended to provide the skin with extra care, nourishment and comfort."

Ingredients: Talc, Boron Nitride, HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Zinc Stearate, Myristyl Trisiloxane, Caprylyl Methicone, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Tocopherol, Lecithin, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Extract

This powder is the newest powder formula for the line. It's a pressed powder that can be used alone or to set foundation with comforting ingredients like olive oil and shea butter.

Coverage
I've used the powder both ways and only applying with a fluffy brush (Sigma's SS150). When I bought this I had been using my beloved and previously untouched MAC Mystery Powder as a setting powder, simply from shopping my stash when I felt I needed a new powder. I asked the MAC MUA about this powder and she said it would provide just a bit more coverage than the mystery powder. Indeed it does, just a bit more as she had stated.

As a setting powder
I loved the way I looked after testing it out in the store. I can't recall what exactly I was wearing before she tested the powder on me, but I loved it. Over a cream like my MAC Mineralize (Cream) Foundation, the Careblend Powder felt a bit heavy as a setting powder. Over my thinner, liquid foundations the Careblend powder as a setting powder isn't a problem. However, the powder amps the coverage of the foundation overall.

Using it on its own
Lately, not wanting to fuss with a foundation and always on the run, I've been using the Careblend powder alone. I might even prefer the powder alone! At work, to even out my complexion and the like for sure, but going out, flash photography and pics... the powder alone will not do it (for me). I'm still testing the waters with this powder and reg point and shoot flash photography, especially at night. The jury is out, but I still use it =p

Comfortable, not drying
While this isn't the powder that will stop all shine for long hours at a time, it will hold some oil at bay. Touch ups are required. This powder feels comfortable for wear and won't make your skin feel thirsty.

Take a looks at some pics and read on for comparisons!

I use Medium Dark. For Summer, I may switch to Medium Deep.

Look who's hitting the pan already. I got this in February.

Here's the Careblend powder to the left, MAC Mineralize Natural Powder in Medium Dark and then MAC Mineralize Foundation Powder Loose in Medium Dark as well.

MAC Sheer Mystery Powder in Lighthearted comparable to Medium Dark

So purrrrddddyyy! I never wanted to touch it, but it came with a refill so I felt I could at least use 1! Lol!

Old beat up box for the Mystery Powder from Stylistics Collection 2007

Look closely, click to enlarge! Can you see? Top right side of my hand is Lighthearted Mystery Powder, l-r: Medium Dark Careblend Powder, MSF Natural in Medium Dark and MSF Foundation Loose

Mystery Powder: Not sure if they mystery is that it's finely milled, but I really liked the powder for most reasons-- no cakiness, finely milled and a decent color match. Color is similar to that of the Careblend powder.
Careblend Powder: Seems to be a touch smoother than the mystery powder! Because of the moisturizing ingredients, I've concluded that the powder is slightly heavier than the other powders. I've hit the pan fairly quickly with about over a month's worth of daily usage.
Mineralize Skinfinish Natural: This is the darkest of all the powders. I got this when the product first debuted during the Amuse collection in 2006. This was my face product of choice when I didn't use foundation. I used this with a kabuki brush. I may have retired this a year later. Whether I used it daily or not, I expected that this would be all used up by now. This is the only powder with small light reflecting particles in it. This is the first generation MSF Natural and to be honest, I'd have to use it again with my current routine to compare qualities. I remember retiring this product because there was no oil controlling properties at all. The newer MSF Naturals may be different.
Mineralize Foundation Loose: Making this in a loose form makes the coverage more buildable. I'm sure this was created to compete with the highly popular Bare Essentials mineral powder that has a cult following. I didn't grow too fond of this powder because the color was off to me. If you look in the picture, this powder looks very neutral to cool. I always felt off and grayish.

Of this bunch, my favorite is the Mystery Powder, followed by the Careblend Powder. I'm looking forward to trying the MSF Natural again as a person that's more knowledgeable about makeup. MSF Natural was my first love!

IMATS 2011 Haul, Swatches and Show Experience

Here's my haul:

2 Stila Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Rock Candy and Starry
3 Stila Long Wear Liquid Lip Color in Coral, Caprice and Fiery
3 Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars in Vapid, Traffic and Lo-Fi
Z Palette
Parian Spirit brush cleaner
(not pictured: Alcone triangle sponges)


Left column, top to bottom: Stila Long Wear Lip Colors in Coral, Fiery and Caprice. Stila Sparkly Liquid Eye Liners in Starry and Rock Candy.

Right column, top to bottom: OCC Lip Tars: Traffic, Lo-Fi and Vapid


Get a closer look at the Stila Sparkly Liquid Eye Liners. They are gorgeously sparkly on not only on my complexion, but all complexions. They are also very long lasting as they claim!

About IMATS (International Makeup Artist Trade Show):

The make-up industry’s biggest and best show makes its New York debut this spring! The International Make-Up Artist Trade Show, already held in five cities worldwide, attracts thousands of people with its mix of shopping, classes, special events and celebrity speakers.

With its thriving film, fashion and theater scene, New York was a natural destination for IMATS, which books some of the industry’s biggest names to share techniques, tips and behind-the-scenes stories.

This was IMATS first year being in NY. Past years in other cities have been great successes, so NY was expected to be no different. The trade show is open to the public for professionals and enthusiasts alike. The event was so popular, the event was completely sold out (also due to space limitations).

Spread between two floors, the first floor was divided between the student competitions and the main lecture hall. Upstairs was shopping central for all of the vendors. This space in SOHO was a bit smaller and intimate. The vendors list was shorter than expected and some didn't offer professional discounts that was expected.

Going to past events like The Makeup Show, I was familiar with the organized excitement of makeup shopping mixed with educational classes and forums, so I had a plan to follow, but things never seem to go according to plan, but I stuck close to it.
-I dressed comfortably.
-I had my camera for pics.
-I ate and used the bathroom before entering the venue.
-I had a list of vendors I wanted to visit and classes to attend as well as the floor plan.
-I made ample time to eat and rest before boarding the bus back home.

Things worked out pretty well! I will say that my expectations were pretty high from coverage from LA IMATS, but for one day at the show I got to see a lot without feeling too overwhelmed, exhausted and burned out. The word is that next year, the show will expand and be in Chelsea. Stay tuned!

I can appreciate that the FX artistry was presented very well to attendees. We usually see a lot of movie, video, red carpet makeup and some minor FX artistry. To see it all on this level was great and was more interesting than I thought.

Check out some extra pics!

A guy explaining Adrien Morot's (one of the presenters) FX work on the Jake Gyllenhaal corpse (laying on the table) in the movie Source Code as well as Barney's Version to a group of attendees.
Six people were needed to operate this very life like corpse on the movie set. Amazing!

Students working on their projects.

Milani Lip Flash Pencil Review and Swatches

The other day, I got a drugstore pic of the Milani Lip Flash display. Here's my review of the two Lip Flash pencils I picked up- In a Flash (hot purple/pink/ magenta) and News Flash (deep red/burgundy).


I know pics are better when the product is untouched, but I'm a makeup junkie! I'm in the car swatching and testing as I leave the CVS! More on the condition of these two pencils in just a sec.

So as you can see, News Flash didn't hold up too well. I have no idea what went wrong or why this color is so mushy...lots of pigment perhaps? Hehe. Both pencils were kept in the same conditions.... While In a Flash can be applied directly, a lip brush was needed for News Flash. The mushy consistency didn't effect the color and coverage. Also, News Flash appears to be a bit more opaque in coverage than In a Flash (the pink---if you got confused with the 'Flashes').

[Click to enlarge images!] In a Flash (pink) flashes blue in the light. News Flash has a few subtle, sparkly pigments.

The Stats:
-great coverage, decent wear time, and doesn't stain!
If it does leave any staining, it does ever so lightly where there's little to no altering of natural lip color.

I look forward to wearing these in the very near future. I picked up the dark, News Flash pencil for a summer vamp lip. A deep lip, but not the black or almost black goth trend. Something to pair with light, summer colors- yellow, peach, coral or bright fuchsia!

I'll be doing an FOTD soon!

The most underrated MAC To The Beach product

On the count of 3, help me to boo Comcast for bad service and making me wait a week for a cable guy to come and repair the problem... 1, 2, 3 BOOOOOO!

Now with that out of the way... Hi guys!!! How have you been?

Confession: I haven't worn makeup all week. I'm not a Summer girl at all. (My favorite season is Fall.) While not wearing makeup, I've been trying to at least appreciate my tanning/glowing skin and just embrace the heat and uh oh yeh,... let it hold me over as I eagerly await MAC's In the Groove Collection, :D


Something else that's holding me over? Appreciating a few things I've picked up from the last collection, To the Beach. I haven't been wearing them recently, but I can tell you I've satisfied my makeup jones! I picked up: Get Away Bronze blush, Flurry of Fun lipglass and Float on By eye kohl. I absolutely love all three items!

That brings me to the point that one item I might love the most is totally overlooked and underrated! Get Away Bronze blush is love! It falls in between Sweet as Cocoa blush and a limited edition mineralized skinfinish bronzer, Sunny by Nature, that was released around this time last year. I love both of those too!


Pics please!

l-r: Sunny By Nature, Get Away Bronze, Sweet as Cocoa

Please excuse the alligator hands... any whoo! Does anyone love this blush as much as me? What about the other items?