LORAC has released another one of their fab collections at a great value!The Visual Effection Collection ($20.00 USD, a $47.00 value) is a limited edition and is available at Ulta and includes 2 full size Visual Effects Mascaras, one in Jet Black and one in Midnight Blue, plus a travel size Behind The Scenes Eye Shadow Primer. You’ll have everything you need to curl, separate, and lengthen your lashes.
What I think: These mascaras take a little practice to perfect, with the comb/brush applicator. But once I got it down, my lashes were extremely long and separated. The Midnight Blue is especially nice because it makes the whites of the eyes look brighter. The primer is very nice as well and helps eye shadows stay on longer.
It’s Fall (almost)! Time to try a new mascara! Of course, I think it’s always time to try a new mascara. But if you not only want to try a new mascara, but want to try a cool hi-tech one, try d.j.v. beautenizer Fiberwig LX ($, from the best selling mascara manufacturer in Japan, Imju Corporation. If you think the name is long, it does not compare to the extreme lengths this technologically advanced formula will take your lashes. Beginning August 2010, available in Pure Black, d.j.v. beautenizer Fiberwig LX will be sold exclusively in Sephora, Sephora inside JCPenney and Sephora Canada.
The claim: Fiberwig LX’s unique fiber enriched film coating formula lengthens while conditioning lashes. The formula contains conditioning oils with panthenol, natural silk and botanical extracts that work to maintain healthy and resilient lashes. The crescent shaped brush conforms to each and every lash, even those hard to reach corners and the tiniest of lashes, not to mention the lower lashes. Generous amounts of fibers perfectly encapsulate lashes from root to tip, extending lashes to eyebrow reaching lengths. With Fiberwig LX’s innovative staying power you can forget about smudging and those dreaded raccoon eyes. Best of all, it removes with just warm water.
What I think: It’s really cool that I can see all of the fibers on the brush before I apply. This lengthens pretty well and separates each lash — no clumping! The only thing that I don’t like is that it is heavy on my lashes and weighs them down. I have to curl my lashes because they are stick straight, and this mascara kills my curl. But if you want a nice natural, separated look, this will give it to you!
We know that Jose Maran creates such beautiful natural products, but she is now using her lovely new GOGO (Get One Give One) Natural Volume Argan Mascara. Josie has just launched the new mascara along with the Get One Give One Campaign in partnership with City of Hope, one of the nation’s leading cancer research and treatment facilities. Celebrating the hope, strength, and natural beauty of City of Hope patients and survivors, Josie is donating a mascara to a City of Hope patient for every one sold. After the first 5,000 purchases, $1 from the sale of each GOGO mascara will be donated to City of Hope’s Women’s Cancers Program for a minimum donation $25,000. The GOGO campaign runs August 2010 thru August 2012.
On August 19th, Josie Maran will join City of Hope for a day of inspiring makeovers, helping patients and survivors look and feel their best—both inside and out. Josie’s team of makeup artists will be on hand to provide in-depth, 40-minute natural beauty pre-registered consultations and walk-in appointments to give patients the chance to rediscover their natural beauty while lifting spirits and inspiring hope. All participants will receive a travel size GOGO Mascara, enabling them to bring the natural beauty experience home.
“We are grateful to Josie Maran and her team for dedicating their time and talents to our patients at City of Hope,” said Linda Klein, operations coordinator, Sheri & Les Biller Patient and Family Resource Center. “The appearance-related side effects of cancer take not only a physical toll, but an emotional one as well, adding stress to an already extremely difficult and challenging time for patients and their loved ones. A positive self-image can boost patients’ esteem, confidence and quality of life. Josie’s generosity embodies the heart and soul of City of Hope’s mission to care for the whole person – body, mind and spirit.”
“I am inspired by the strength and bravery of the patients at City of Hope,” says Josie Maran, founder of Josie Maran Cosmetics. “With the Get One Give One Campaign and our day of makeovers, I hope to pass along the gift of natural beauty and help each patient feel beautiful inside and out.”
The ultimate volume-boosting mascara, GOGO (Get One Give One) Natural Volume Argan Mascara naturally plumps and curls for maximum lash drama. Josie Maran’s patented Triple V brush enhances volume and wraps lashes one luxurious layer at a time for full, longwearing, clump-free, water-resistant definition. The 80% natural, 50% certified organic formula includes nourishing ingredients like aloe leaf juice, algae, beet root and soybean extracts to naturally condition and strengthen. An infusion of nourishing, protein-rich Argan Oil conditions and supports hair growth for lush, supple, healthy lashes. The rich, hydrating formula evenly builds thickness and smoothness, delivering a full fringe of blacker-than-black lashes with dewy shine. Like all Josie Maran formulas, GOGO (Get One Give One) Natural Volume Argan Mascara is free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes and phthalates.
What I think: I love this mascara. I don’t know if it’s the formula or the innovative brush, but this mascara both lengthens and volumizes my lashes! It also stays on all day and doesn’t smear or run!
CoverGirl’s Blast line includes a variety of products to make you look bolder. Their eye collection has recently introduced some really great new additions that will really make your eyes pop! They are:
Smoky ShadowBlast ($7.99 USD) — This two-ended creamy shadow stick, can make lots of different looks. The rounded end is the lighter color and can be used all over the lid, or a highlighter. The two different, specially contoured ends of our ShadowBlast stick make it easy to create a bold, colorful, smoky eye.
Liquiline Blast ($7.99 USD) , combines the intensity and staying power of a liquid with the ease and blendability of a waterproof pencil. It is very soft and easy to play with. You can use the liner as-is for intense definition or smoke-it-out with the built-in smudger end for a subtle, smoky look. I like to first line the eyes with the tapered end of the ShadowBlast and then do a sharper line with the Liquiline.
LashBlast Fusion ($9.99 USD) is CoverGirl’s first ever volume + length mascara! The fiberstretch formula and oversized brush claim to make every little lash bigger, fuller, longer -looking and more dramatic. And I have to agree. It separates my lashes while it lengthens and volumizes. I would love it if they made a waterproof version. That would be perfect.
Visit www.covergirl.com to learn more and you can purchase at mass market retailers near you. Have fun!
Cool cosmetics company beautyADDICTS has just lauched a new mascara, Lash Galore. Now, I love mascara and have tons of them, but I enjoy trying new ones. I am always looking for one that lengthen first, then thicken and if it curls that means I don’t need my eyelash curler — so that’s a plus!
The claim of Lash Galore is since it is formulated with Pro Vitamin B5 and Silk Protein, it gives maximum conditioning, length and definition. It is also buildable so more coats for more volume – without clumping or flaking. It is available in 1 shade – Ultra Black – the shade every woman can wear!
Mascara Tips from Lisa Saladino Mihok, beautyADDICTS Makeup Artist:
1. Using mascara brush, sweep lower lashes in towards the nose for ultimate length and definition.
2. If you have lighter lashes you can still wear that black mascara. Just be sure to fully coat the lashes. Place 1 or 2 coats from top of the lashes down and finish by sweeping 1-2 coats up from underneath. 3. If you touch up your eye shadow through out the day, you will need to sweep a fresh coat of mascara over the lashes to clean them up. With beauty ADDICTS Lash Galore the amazing non-clumping formula allows you to add a fresh coat of mascara even hours after the first application. What I think:
Lash Galore thickens and separates very well and I like how it is very buildable — lashes don’t get stiff and goopy. I would like a little more lenthening, but I can layer a lengthening mascara to get the effect I like. The one thing I didn’t love about the mascara is that if you rub your eyes at all, it smears. I have allergies and everytime I looked in the mirror, my mascara was smeared. Still a good mascara if you don’t touch your eyes.
Lash Galore Mascara retails for $18 at www.beautyaddicts.com and at salons nationwide.
I love trying new mascara — especially one that gives length and volume and makes your lashes look fake! That’s what Fiberwig Paint-On False Eyelashes ($24.00 USD) mascara claims to do.
Fiberwig is the top-selling mascara in Japan, and it is easy to see why. It contains micro-fine interconnecting fibers which creates a long-lasting film coat around your natural lashes. This is what gives the false eyelash look.
I have noticed that not only does it make my lashes long and lush, it is water-resistant and clump-free. I hate the spider-eyes look, and this gives great separation. And it is very easy to remove. A little warm water removes the fibers from your lashes.
I have reviewed the herbal, vitamin enriched and very affordable Palladio beauty products before. I have recently tried some different products from this great line and wanted to share!
The Rice Paper ($4.00) is one of Palladio’s most ingenious and bestselling products. This is a very unique, oil-absorbing two-sided, tissue that is made with natural rice. The matte side (without powder) is for blotting to absorb the excess oils and the powdered side is for finishing. This neat product is packaged in a pull out tissue packet that is will fit in even the smallest handbag. It comes in Translucent, Natural for lighter skin tones and Warm Beige for darker skin tones. This is great for mid-day freshening up.
For lip products, I love the Lip Ink ($6.00) and the Plump n’ Shine Lip Gloss ($6.00). The lip ink is like a marker for the lips. It is touted as hydrating and waterproof, but it actually makes my lips a little dry. I do love the stained look it give. I tried Rose, which is like my lips, but brighter! To keep lips moisturized, I like applying the Plump n’ shine gloss over the Lip Ink. This gloss has a collagen and maxi lip formula for luscious plumped up lips. It includes a brush applicator and is enriched with herbal ingredients. This is not a plumper that stings, it naturally enhances lips.
Herbal Mascaras ($6.00) — are uniquely packaged with a brush and lash separator on one end. They are fortified with panthenol and vitamin B5 to strengthen and thicken lashes. They are also enriched with 5 beneficial herbs: ginseng, green tea, gingko biloba, chamomile and aloe vera for conditioning. The mascara are available in Lengthening, Thickening and Waterproof formulas. I have the thickening mascara and it does thicken my lashes and doesn’t run.
Prescriptives creates quality skincare and makeup that makes you look great and is good for your skin, too.
I have recently tried a few products from this line. They are:
False Eyelashes Plush Mascara ($19.50) — This fantastic mascara pulls triple duty by creating volume, length, and curl. Oh yes, I said curl. This is the first “curling mascara” that I have tried that has made my eyelash curler obsolete. It’s quick and easy to get great lashes and my pin straight lashes look long and full. The formula includes conditioners to keep lashes smooth and healthy.
Flawless Face Primer ($27.50) — This smoothing primer creates a silky canvas for smoth foundation application. It claims to “helps diminish the appearance of large pores, lines and wrinkles, while simultaneously helping to reduce the appearance of redness and discoloration.” This is a very nice primer, it is creamy without being greasy or oily. A little goes a long way, and once applied only a small amount of foundation is needed for a flawless complexion.
Armed with a Super Antioxidant System (SAS), Super Line Preventor Xtreme ($48.00 1 oz, $76.00 1.7 oz) claims to “defend against the visible aging effects of free radicals triggered by environmental assaults both immediately after exposure and again up to 72 hours later. It helps strengthen skin and boost its natural defenses by helping skin bolster its collagen production to improve visible skin tone, radiance and diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Skin looks stronger, smoother and more radiant…one step ahead of environmental assaults.”
I really enjoy this serum. It is light and non-greasy and sinks into the skin quickly, so one can apply moisturizer. My skin has been looking smooth and radiant lately and I think this serum has a lot to d with that.
If you have read my blog before, you know that I LOVE mascara. I think it is the perfect finishing touch for any look. So I am always looking to try a mascara that is new, or at least new to me!
Laura Geller Full-Figured Volumizing Mascara ($23.50) — I was excited to try this mascara since I haven’t tried any of Laura Geller’s cosmetics before. (Please leave a comment to recommend any other of her products that you think I should try). This volumizing mascara is touted to magnify and extend lashes. It combines two lengths of nylon fibers in a creamy, water-resistant formula. Cellulose and amino acids work to strengthen lashes, while rice protein adds shine. Ophthalmologist-tested, the formula is suitable for contact lens wearers.
The first thing that I noticed about this mascara is that it both lengthens and thickens my lashes. Many mascaras do one or the other, so this is very nice. I think this is a great day look, with one coat, or night look, with 2 or more coats. It layers very well. The only thing I didn’t like is that it flaked and smudged on me after a few hours. I still wear it, but I have to check under my eyes periodically to fix the smudges.
You can purchase this plush mascara, and many other products from Laura Geller, at www.qvc.com.
As a forty-something woman, I am always looking for products that will make my skin appear flawless. Darac, a celebrity makeup artist, has introduced a makeup line that focuses on flawless skin. His Core Solutions are made to help women with solutions to common, but troubling makeup problems. Darac says on his website, “Everyone has similar core concerns. When you say, my foundation doesn’t match my skin; my powder makes me look like my great-great grandmother; I used to have long delicious lashes and now I have four sausages, or anything else you’ve struggled with, Core Solutions offers you specific solutions with instant results.”
I have recently tried some of Darac’s fantastic products. My favorites are:
Feature Focus ($39.50) is a compact of 3 different cream bases made to cover, contour and highlight the face. This product comes with the Looking Glass Cheat Sheet, which is a cling sheet that you can put on your mirror. It contains a diagram of where to place the products. Forgive is a great color for concealing, Forget is for highlighting and Frame is a darker shade to sculpt. I love to use Forgive under my eyes and on blemishes, Forget goes on my cheek bones and under my browbone and Frame is great for my chin area!
The TourQuam ($40.00) TourQuam Luxe ($75.00) brushes are some of the coolest I’ve tried. They are super-soft and full and contain magnets in the handle which I think draw the product into the brushes so you can swirl on an even coat of the product and use less of it. I use the TourQuam for bronzer and blush and the TourQuam Luxe for my powder.
Sifted Blur ($32.00) is more than a powder. Used with the TourQuam or TourQuam plus, I sweep it all over my face and it instantly makes my face look even and glow. The website states that, “Sifted Blur can be used as a under foundation to facilitate application of makeup and not allow it to rob water from your skin; it can be used over foundation to set and perfect makeup; or used without any makeup at all, any time of the day.” I have used it over my makeup and on its own, but I am going to definitely try it under my makeup in these hot, humid summer days when my face gets a little oily!
Expedition Mascara ($19.50) really lengthens my lashes while adding volume. Summer Allergies have forced me to wear my glasses instead of my contacts, and with Expedition, my lashes keep hitting my glasses! I have to make sure they are totally dry before I put my glasses on. This mascara also is vitamin-packed and nourishes lashes with a silk extract. I have noticed that my lashes stay glossy, black and soft all day long! You can also use the tiny detail brush included to get all of your little lashes and your bottom ones as well.
Visit www.daracbeauty.com to learn more about and to purchase this luxury cosmetic line. You are going to love it!
Forty, Flirty & Fabulous 