Spring Haul!

I've been taking it pretty easy lately with buying new makeup, but with the weather finally warming up and stepping into Spring I thought I'd treat myself to a couple new goodies (and some essentials)!

A Mascara Better Than CoverGirl Lash Blast?!

When I first heard CoverGirl was coming out with a new version of their amazing LashBlast mascara called LashBlast Clump Crusher from Nouveau Cheap, I was a little apprehensive.

Honestly most brands like to take their best selling product and milk it by creating products off of it which aren't up to par with the original! That's why I wasn't really thinking this new mascara would be anything ground breaking, but after hearing Josh Collier rave about it on Twitter, I rushed to watch his new video with first impressions.

Seeing him apply it in the video, I'M AMAZED! The original LashBlast has been the closest to holy grail I've found as I mentioned in a big mascara review post a while back, but it still has its issues which is why I haven't officially handed out the HG title.

But the amazing volume and length Josh had in is video where he applies it on camera is like love at first sight for me! I'm not usually one who goes crazy for mascaras because I've got a million open at the moment (more like 6...) that I need to make my way through, but I will throw them all out in an instant if the CoverGirl Clump Crusher Mascara looks that amazing on me!

So what do you guys think, something you want to try?

One Mascara, Two Mascara, Three Mascara

Left to Right: Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies, Maybelline Define-A-Lash Volume, Rimmel Lycra Lash Extender

Left to Right: Maybelline Lash Stiletto Voluptuous, COVERGIRL Lash Blast, Physicians Formula Organic Wear Jumbo Lash

Recently I've been super frustrated because I just cannot find a mascara that gives me what I want!

 My ideal lashes would be super black, really long, and have lots of volume without clumping. Is that too much to ask? Apparently so since I've been buying/trying them like crazy and just can't find one that completes my wish list!

By no means do I have naturally bad lashes, mine are dark (natural brunette), fairly long, and I have a lot of them so I can actually go out with no mascara and look fine. I do hate that they are pretty stick straight, but I've been pretty blessed in the eyelash department so I wont complain! But my absolute favorite thing to do is play up my eyes, so on an everyday basis I want that really long and volumized look!

COVERGIRL Lash Blast

This has been a favorite mascara as of recently. I love the rubber bristles on the brush, it gives me a lot of volume, but its so freakin' big that a lot of the time I end up poking myself in the eye (which results in me getting mascara ALL over my eyeshadow)! The formula is really nice because its so black but it does nothing to hold any sort of curl.

Maybelline Lash Stilleto Voluptuous

I like the separation I get with this mascara, but the formula really sucks! I cannot wear this without it completely flaking off and leaving black rings underneath my eyes. The brush is pretty funky too, I don't see the point to the wavy shape, how is that going to help my lashes do anything?

Physicians Formula Organic Wear Jumbo Lash

I find this one to be really similar to the COVERGIRL Lash Blast. The brushes are pretty similar except this one has bigger plastic bristles, but the formula is a bit lacking. I don't get much length and this mascara also tends to leave black rings underneath my eyes throughout the day.

Rimmel Lycra Lash Extender

I really can't use this mascara on its own, it really doesn't do much of anything for my lashes. Its really nice and dark with good separation, but this mascara is too natural looking for me. I don't know why it claims that you'll get "50% more curve" and "80% more length" because that sure isn't true! There's next to no lengthening, I mean it looks like I'm not even wearing mascara, doesn't hold a curl, and no volume. Definitely not a winner!

Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies

This is one of those over-hyped products. You get great volume, but its so not worth it with the clumping! By the time I get the amount of volume I want, I need to go back through my lashes with a comb to get rid of the clumps! The formula is super wet, which I think adds to the clumping issue (loosely leave the cap on, it gets better as it dries out). Its also not good in terms of staying power, it will leave black rings under my eyes a few hours after I apply it. This mascara is okay in terms of holding a curl, it does well at first but after a few hours my lashes end up going back to their normal straight selves.

Maybelline Define-A-Lash Volume

Like the Rimmel Lycra Lash Extender, I can't really use this mascara on its own, its too natural looking. The formula isn't very black, so it requires a couple coats to get the deep color. I love how separated my lashes look when I use this, I just wish they had volume (completely misleading calling this mascara "volume"). The brush on this mascara is SO flimsy, I've broken the actual brush off the wand when I've owned this mascara in the past! Like all the others, it doesn't hold a curl (I'm starting to think there's more of a problem with my lashes since nothing is working)!

If you guys have any recommendations for mascaras you think I might like, please tell me!

January Favorites

Wet 'n' Wild "Comfort Zone" Eyeshadow Palette

This palette is actually my moms that I've swiped from her makeup drawers (everything is so much more appealing when its not yours)! I've been really loving wearing the first golden butter shade on the inner third of my lid and the shade below that on the outer two thirds with a bit of the dark shimmery brown below that in the crease.

Wet 'n' Wild "I ♥ Matte" Eyeshadow Palette

To be honest, the only reason I wanted this palette was because of the matte white shade! But I've actually been showing the neutral side A TON of love. When my eye looks are supper shimmery I'll mix the white with the cream color below it for a highlight, I often use the peachy-brown color in my crease, and the dark brown/black are often my choice for eyeliner smudged along my upper lashline! I don't think I'll ever get much use out of the colored side, but hey for the matte neutrals, it's completely worth it!

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in "Tutti Frutti"

As you probably know, absolutely everyone in the beauty community has been going gaga over these puppies. I wasn't intending on buying any since I don't typically wear lip products other than lip balm, but I saw this on sale at Kmart towards the beginning of the month so I thought what the heck. Of course I went for the bright orange shade (I'm not sure what this new obsession is with the color orange...) and I'm so in love with it! Its not totally as moisturizing as everyone has been saying, but better than a lipstick and I don't need a mirror to apply it, so it actually gets some use when I pop it in my school bag. Its going to be the perfect color come spring!

COVERGIRL Lash Blast Volume Mascara in "Very Black'

This is probably pretty gross, but I've had this mascara for probably about a year (I never end up throwing anything makeup related out)! I just cracked it back open and have fallen back in love with it! I've been having so many mascara related issues lately (meaning I can't freaking find one that I like...) and instead of buying loads more I thought I'd just shop my stash. I used to hate this mascara, but I've been craving those really volumized looking lashes lately and the COVERGIRL Lash Blast Volume certainly gives me that. The only thing I don't like is the size of the brush, I often end of getting the mascara all over my eyeshadow, and how the formula doesn't hold a curl very well. I really want to try the new Lash Blast 24 Hour, let me know if its any good!

MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer in "NW 20"

My skin has been wonky this month, breaking out left and right, so I needed to break out my heavy duty concealers. I stopped using this for a really long time because I found it looked pretty cakey, but I'll sacrifice looking natural if I can get rid of a huge blemish on my face! I've been having problems with getting new hyperpigmentation on my cheeks which has me in a bit of a tizzy, I never ever break out of my cheeks let alone had discoloration there. But now I've just got to deal with what's on my face and use the MAC Studio Finish Concealer to try and cover it!

Revlon Nail Enamel in "Carbonite"

As we're getting closer to spring, I've been trying to keep my wardrobe toned down a bit because I've been craving bright neon colors even though its still winter. But I've found it easier to satisfy my cravings if I keep most of my outfit in black and grey with one pop of color. So in keeping with this theme, I've been loving Revlon's Carbonite (I actually think this is discontinued, but I got mine at a Big Lots). It's a great neutral color but the gorgeous silver shimmer keeps it from being boring!

My Christmas Beauty Gifts!

What's In My Travel Makeup Bag!

Face:

Revlon ColorStay Foundation for Combination/Oily Skin in "180 Sand Beige"

CARGO OneBase Concealer + Foundation In One

MAC Studio Fix Powder in "N5" 

MAC Blot Powder Pressed in "Medium"

Cheeks:

e.l.f. Studio Blush in "Peachy Keen"

e.l.f. Studio Blush in"Candid Coral"

Physicians Formula Powder Palette Multi-Colored Blush in "Blushing Peach"

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Blush in "Rosy Glow"

Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Correcting Concealer Pink Highlighter 

Eyes:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance

 MAC Paint Pot in "Indianwood"

 Stila Smudge Pot in "Kitten"

 COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers Trio in "Cafe Au Lait"

 Wet n Wild Color Icon Trio in "Walking On Eggshells"

Rimmel Special Eyes Precision Eye Liner Pencil in "Black Magic"

Maybelline Define-A-Lash Volume Mascara in "Soft Black"

Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express in "Blackest Black"

Hi lovelies!

I just got back from spending some time visiting my dad, so I thought I'd share the makeup bag I brought with me! I kept it pretty minimal since I wasn't gone for long, and as you can see I completely skipped on all lip products (other than lip balm of course)!

So let me know what you guys keep in your travel makeup bags :)

New Goodies!

 eos Lip Balm in "Honeysuckle Honeydew"

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in "Sweet Nectar"

Maybelline Define-A-Lash Volume Mascara in "Soft Black"

Carmex Original Moisturizing Lip Balm Tube

Stila Smudge Pot in "Kitten"

Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm Tin

Lip Vitamins Lip Balm in "Vanilla Bean"

Lip Vitamins Lip Balm in "Mixed Berries"

Lip Vitamins Lip Balm in "Fresh Mint"

Korres Lip Butter in "Pomegranate"

Korres Lip Butter in "Plum"

Stila Lip Glaze Trio Cool with "Grapefruit", "Seashell", and "Raisin"

Highlighter Brush (no brand?!)

Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner

Revlon Pinch Me Sheer Gel Blush in "Playful Pink"

Revlon Pinch Me Sheer Gel Blush in "Peach Afterglow"

 Carmex Original Lip Tin

Pink and White Polkadot Modella Makeup Bag

Multi-Colored Polkadot Modella Makeup Bag

 ♥

Walgreens Rimmel Haul

Walgreens is having some pretty good Rimmel sales this week (Advertised: 50% off lip and eye products, Unadvertised: 2 for 4 on Lasting Finish Pro nail polish and buy any Rimmel mascara get a free Rimmel eyeliner), so here are some of the goodies I picked up!:

• Rimmel The Max Volume Flash Mascara in "Extreme Black"

Price: $3.74 (50% off Rimmel Eye Products)

• Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro Nail Enamel in "Sunset Orange"

Price: $2.00 (2 for $4.00)

• Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro Nail Enamel in "Steel Grey"

Price: $2.00 (2 for $4.00)

• Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Liner Pencil in "Purple Passion"

Price: Free with purchase of Rimmel Mascara

• Rimmel Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipstick in "Airy Fairy"

Price: $2.64 (50% off Rimmel Lip Products)

• Rimmel Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipstick in "Crush"

Price: $2.64 (50% off Rimmel Lip Products)

Wal-Mart Haul

I picked up a few little jems on my last Wal-Mart run that I thought I'd share with you even though I'm happy with about 1 out of 4 purchases haha!:

 -Maybelline Fit Me Blush in "Medium Coral"

I still had a coupon for any Maybelline Fit Me product from my lovely little Wal-Mart samples, so since I already had the foundation I decided I wanted to try these blushes! I have to say thumbs up for Maybelline on the packaging for this line, its much sleek-er than any other drugstore brands I've seen. I'm kind of kicking myself over buying this because when I got home I realized it looks an awful lot like my Wet N Wild Color Icon Blusher in "Mellow Wine" that I just bought in a Rite Aid Haul with a tad more pink. But hey, shame on you Wal-Mart, you should have had a bigger color selection

-L'oreal Wear Infinite Studio Secrets Professional Eyeshadow in "Autumn Leaves" for Blue Eyes

First off, I'd like to point out how much of a mouthful that is in case you didn't already notice! I know L'oreal's H.I.P. eyeshadows are supposed to be really good, but I leaned towards this since it was on sale and I had a coupon. I liked the colors of this quad in the store since they look really bronze-y, I figured I could get away with a lot of summer looks using these shadows. But I must say, I've only used these eyeshadows once and am kicking myself again, they're pretty terrible (chalky, hard to blend, not pigmented)! Sheesh, it just wasn't my day at Wal-Mart, but you win some and you lose some

-St.Ives Fresh Skin Make-Up Remover & Facial Cleanser

I'm on such a St.Ives kick after loving their Apricot Scrub! I saw this on the St.Ives website and really wanted to get it since I don't have a makeup remover and I've never really heard much about this one from the beauty community. I've had the chance to use this a couple of times, and I love it so much I'm beginning to think I should try all the St.Ives products!The only issue I had is this one particular cleanser was super hard to find, I looked at least three different places before coming across this one, and it was the last on the shelf

 -Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Jumbo Lash Mascara in "Black Organics"

 If you haven't already heard about the Physicians Formula $5 coupon going around, get it now! I honestly didn't think I would get any use out of that coupon since all Physicians Formula products are pretty expensive, but if you really look through their stuff you can get away with $1.00 and $2.00 items. Plus that coupon can be printed as many times as you want, and its good until June 15, 2011, so stock up and keep them in your wallet. Wal-Mart didn't have a great selection of the cheaper Physicians Formula products (go to Rite Aid if you want some super good values) but this mascara was there for $8.00, which means I got it for a steal $3.00 and that's a good value for any mascara let alone Physicians Formula! I've heard nothing but good things about this since people who went to the Beautylish event got it in their gift bags. I'm excited to try this out, but I'm a little bummed I got it in the color "Black Organics" and not "Ultra Black Organics" but there's probably no noticeable difference

Clinique Pretty In Prints Spring 2011 Collection/Milly For Clinique

Michelle Smith, renowned designer of the women’s fashion and accessories label, Milly, brings her sparkling and sophisticated style to Clinique’s newest spring collection – Pretty in Prints. Michelle has teamed up with Clinique to create a limited-edition makeup palette of essential eye, cheek and lip colours for Spring 2011.
Exclusive to Clinique, the collection mixes rich browns with sweet pinks and is packaged in a sleek silver compact, adorned with a one-of-a-kind Milly print. The limited-edition Pretty in Prints compact is enclosed in a pouch designed by Michelle to showcase her signature Milly aesthetic.

U.S./Canada Launch Date: February 2011
International Launch Date: February 2011

About Milly:
The label was established in 2000, when founder/designer Michelle Smith returned to New York after working for Paris powerhouses like Hermès and Dior. The collections consistently turn out feminine pieces and classic silhouettes in personally designed fabrics and prints that appeal to socialistas as well as starlets on the preppy side. Milly has perfected the Palm Beach palette with Upper East Side polish.
-New York Magazine

Photo by Makeup and Beauty Blog

Long Last Glosswear SPF 15:

$14.00

• Milly Pink Warm-toned melon shade (Limited Edition)

Left to Right: Milly Pink Long Last Glosswear, High Impact Mascara; Photo by Makeup and Beauty Blog

 

 Milly For Clinique Pretty In Prints Compact:
$36.00

Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad in Printed Pinks and Blushing Blush in Precious Posy, all stylishly organised in a compact adorned with the Milly print (Limited Edition)

Photo by Makeup and Beauty Blog

Clinique Pretty In Prints Compact Eyeshadow Swatches; Photo by Makeup and Beauty Blog

Clinique Pretty In Prints Compact Blush Swatch; Photo by Makeup and Beauty Blog

High Impact Mascara:

$14.50

• Black (Repromote) (Permanent)

Left to Right: Milly Pink Long Last Glosswear, High Impact Mascara; Photo by Makeup and Beauty Blog

Anything strike you fancy?

MAC Quite Cute Spring 2011 Collection

“CUTE!” The most fanciful, fun and flattering compliment and young, modern trendsetter could ever want! Our version is the girliest kind of international glam possible, a style ride that combines postage-stamp-sized puppies with pixie swizzle-stick fashion and buttergly kisses for cute boys and even cuter shoes! Cupcake icing colors, vintage romance, an ATM card with Hello Kitty on it – and a way of life that says “yes!” to everything adorable!
Come on, get happy, with the multi-culti cutie, from Tokyo to Toronto to Paris with love! Pastel shades for Eye Quads, Lipstick, Plushglass, and Nail Lacquer…And due to popular demand, we’re completely cute-ifying three favourite Lip Pencil shades from last season that will join the fun and frolic. Flash! You’ll ♥ the Mineralize Blush with the sweet heart baked right into it. If it shines, shimmers and pops it’s completely, contagiously, cute!

U.S./Canada Launch Date: April 7, 2011
International Launch Date: April 2011

Mineralize Blush:  

$23.00

•  Miss Behave Light beige with pearly mint green heart (Frost) (Limited Edition)
•  Giggly Light pink with pearly plum heart (Frost) (Limited Edition)
•  Sakura Lavender with pearly deep magenta heart (Frost) (Limited Edition) 

Nail Lacquer:  

 $14.00

•  Little Girl Type Creamy pale lavender (Cream) (Limited Edition)
•  Ice Cream Cake Creamy blue pink (Cream) (Limited Edition)
• Mischievous Creamy pale blue mint (Cream) (Limited Edition)

False Lashes: 

$14.00

•  #7 Lash Spiky, slightly separated, high glam lash (Permanent) 

 

Lipstick:
 $14.50

•  Playing Koi Creamy white peach pink (Satin) (Limited Edition)
•  Quite Bright Bright white lavender (Cremesheen) (Limited Edition)
•  Saint Germain Pastel pink (Amplified) (Permanent)
• Candy Yum-Yum Neon pink (Matte) (Limited Edition)
• Play Time Intense violet (Cremesheen) (Limited Edition)

Plushglass: 
$18.50

• Bubble Tea Creamy pale nude (Limited Edition)
•  Fashion Fanatic Creamy pale pink (Limited Edition)
•  Girl ♥ Boy Bright light blue pink (Limited Edition)
• I ♥ U Creamy mid-tone purple (Limited Edition)

Lip Pencil: 
$13.00

•  Naked Light neutral (Limited Edition) (Repromote)
• In Synch Bright yellow pink (Limited Edition) (Repromote)
• Boldly Bare Mid-tone red brown (Limited Edition) (Repromote)

Cutie Eyeshadow Quad:
$36.00

• Goody Goody Gum Drop Light white pink (Satin) (Limited Edition)
• Azuki Bean Mid-tone violet (Frost) (Limited Edition)
• Moshi! Moshi! Pale white green gold (Frost) (Limited Edition)
• Boycrazy Pale lavender with silver pearl pigments (Lustre) (Limited Edition)

Penultimate Eyeliner:
$17.50

• Rapidblack True black (Permanent)

Zoom Lash:
$14.00

• Zoomblack Rich black (Permanent)

What will you be buying from MAC's Spring collection?

Maybelline Lash Stylist Mascara

Introducing: My all-time favorite mascara. And of course with my luck, it's now discontinued. I bought this such a long time ago, and actually hated it at first. I thought it was just way too heavy and made my lashes clump like there's no tomorrow, but now I really wish I had realized my love for this product sooner.

Pros: Makes your lashes really dramatic,so much length and volume. This mascara also has a very mild odor that you probably wouldn't even notice without directly smelling.

Cons: This mascara pretty much never comes off, even after two showers it still smudges under my eyes. I think that's because my Lash Stylist is waterproof, but I can't be sure because the label rubbed off. Obviously another huge con is  that you can't get this is stores anymore, you have to find it online, which isn't hard to do, just a pain to deal with shipping and waiting for it to arrive.

I would recommend this mascara to anyone looking for super dramatic lashes without the hassle of fake ones.

Sephora Collection Professional Clear Natural Mascara

Ideal for accentuating your lashes by separating, curling, and imparting a soft sheen, or for combing and holding hard-to-tame brows in place, our clear mascara is a must-have essential a gal can't live without.

Pros: The wand is short, so It makes getting into your inner lashes easier. It makes my lashes look naturally long and a little bit glossy. Also, this mascara separates your lashes really well. It has an odor, like every mascara, but you won't notice it unless you sniff the brush (as I just did). It washes off really easily in the shower. I don't put two coats of it on so maybe that's why, but people have said it can be a little flaky sometimes. The first time I used this mascara I ended up poking myself in the eye, but I'm happy to say the product doesn't burn like some others do.

Cons: When re-inserting the wand into the tube, it's a little difficult to push through the gel.

I love this product, and would recommend it to anyone looking for a natural eye.

Maybelline Lash Stiletto Voluptuous Mascara

THE MOST VOLUPTUOUS LENGTH LASHES WILL EVER WEAR
LENGTHENS AND PLUMPS with every stroke
DRAMATIC LENGTH, impactful volume

Product Details

Why You'll Love It

Now long lashes don’t have to be skinny.
• Dual-action brush stretches as it thickens each lash for dramatic length and volume
• Rich cream formula adds the most seductive finish
• Contact lens safe
• Ophthalmologist-tested
• Washable, also available in Waterproof formula

For Best Results

Sweep Plump and Stretch brush upwards from root to tip to grasp each lash and coat from every angle to achieve dramatic length and volume. Continue building lashes until you reach your desired look. Do not let dry between coats. Removes easily with soap and water or Expert Eyes® 100% Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover.

Pros: Separates all your lashes evenly, and makes them really long.

Cons: After about 2 hours of wearing this, I get black smudges underneath my eyes, which I used to think was because it wasn't waterproof, but I recently discovered my mascara is. After school, from just oils on your face and sweat, some of the mascara inevitably gets in your eyes, and Lash Stiletto really burns, I find myself needing to keep my eyes shut for a few minutes. When you take the wand out of the tube, you can instantly smell this strong, funky odor. I guess all mascaras have some sort of odor, but this is the worst one I've ever had. Also, the wand is large at the end, making getting your inner lashes coated difficult. The tube itself really bothers me as well, I don't know why, I just think the red color is really ugly/the stiletto shape is irritating.

So I wouldn't recommend this mascara to anyone, it's just not good quality.