Korres Deep Colour Mascara, $18

A great friend of mine swears by this mascara and when I saw her using it I knew exactly why. In just one or two strokes her eyelashes extended and were full and dark--just like I want! Korres Deep Colour mascara is sold exclusively at Sephora and is probably the first natural mascara I have ever tried.

The mascara goes on smooth, without clumping at all. I only use a few strokes, the brush applies the mascara very evenly so it doesn't require much layering. Though it is not waterproof it doesn't smear off or anything. Since it isn't waterproof it also comes off really easily without damaging your eyelashes. Some mascaras are difficult to take off and you can often lose a lash or two when trying to get it off.

I was really impressed with this mascara and actually bought a full tube of it to try for the first time, I had some serious trust in this product! It was definitely worth the splurge because I am happy with my long and full lashes.

Final verdict:
Cost: $18 for a big tube.
Does it come in any other colors?: This mascara is available in brown and black.
Expiration date?: You read that right, this mascara has an expiration date on the box. Kind of weird because I've never seen that before but I guess it makes sense if it is made with more natural products like rice bran. I ordered my tube so I didn't get to choose a date so if you're in the store I'd suggest looking out for a later date.
Repeat offender?: Yes! This mascara is great and I am so glad I tried it per my friend's suggestion.

-M

Sephora Collection Atomic Volume Mascara, $15

I've got a bag full of sample products that I've received from my many cosmetic purchases over the last few months and one of the products I reached for this week was the Sephora Collection Atomic Volume Mascara. This mascara promises "the most volume out of your lashes with just one stroke" and "extreme volume." I can attest that this mascara does indeed add volume to eyelashes in as little as one stroke. I don't really spend time curling my lashes or anything but this mascara definitely provides a good lift and even adds a bit of a curl.

The mascara goes on pure black and dries fast. I hate when your mascara takes a while to dry and you accidently end up with smudges on your brow bone. The mascara dries tightly so you aren't going to get soft lashes. It is a mascara that delivers a dramatic look as opposed to a natural one. I am noticing that most of the Sephora mascaras are getting pretty good reviews!

Final verdict:
Cost: $15 for a full size tube (the one in the pictures is sample size).
Does it actually deliver extreme volume?: This mascara plumps and elongates your lashes for sure. I have long lashes anyways so it might work better for me because it is just giving a boost but I'm not sure if it will be as effective for shorter lashes.
Is it waterproof?: Nope. I learned this at the gym yesterday!
Repeat offender?: I really like this mascara but like I've said before, I like to try different ones each time. I'd suggest it to anyone looking for something that elongates lashes.

-M

Sephora Collection Lash Plumper Mascara, $12

I am so surprised at how much I love this mascara. This little jewel (show in the sample size) came in a little birthday bonus gift pack from Sephora (if you are a beauty insider they hook you up with a tiny gift on your birthday, it is pretty sweet!). I am completely obsessed with how awesome this mascara actually is. It doesn't promise a million little things but it delivers way more than you will expect.

First of all it is nice and black, and this isn't even the "Ultra Black" version. The mascara plumps and separates lashes perfectly and does not clump at all! I am in awe! It also works great on the bottom lashes which can often be tricky. It gives a nice full and soft lift to your lashes and doesn't clump--what more can you want?

The lashes aren't left feeling like there is no mascara on them but they also don't feel heavy, cakey, or have that weird plastic-like crust that other mascaras leave behind. The brush is awesome for getting even the tiniest lashes even though it is on the slightly fatter side. Oh and even though it isn't waterproof it doesn't budge all day! Just got back from the gym and I don't have any smearing!

Final verdict:
Cost: $12 for a full size bottle, free on your birthday for a tiny tube!
What would you rate it?: Out of 5 I'd give it a 4.5 because I don't think any mascara has ever blown me away to a 5. This is definitely one of the top mascaras I have tried in the last year though, and trust me I try a lot!
Repeat offender?: I may actually buy a full tube of this mascara the next time I place an order or stop by Sephora. It is just nearly perfect which is good enough for me!

-M

Sephora Collection Waterproof Mascara, Jet Black, $6 (on sale from $12)

The Sephora Collection Waterproof Mascara in Jet Black is included in the Sephora Collection Waterproof Bronzing Kit that I recently purchased. The mascara is also sold individually and is currently on sale for $6. This is a nice classic mascara, no fancy plastic brush with spikes or some unproven lengthening formulas. This is just a good old mascara that just happens to be waterproof.


I like the formula of this mascara because it is really thin and allows you to separate your lashes more finely and precisely. This is also aided by the soft bristle brush that is shaped long and thin. In my opinion it is easier to get each and every lash with a soft and thin brush like this.


Without knowing I was going to go to the pool a week ago I had applied a bunch of the stuff from the waterproof collection, including this mascara. I ended up going swimming and my cousin was completely dumbfounded when I lifted my head out of the water and my makeup was still solidly in place. She literally could not believe it so this is definitely water-tested! I can vouch and say that this is waterproof, even after spending time underwater.

Final verdict:
Cost: Originally this mascara is $12 for a pretty big tube but right now it is on sale on the Sephora website for $6. That is pretty much cheaper than a lot of drugstore brands!
Is it waterproof?: Like I said above, it definitely is waterproof. However, if you start to pick at your eyelashes (which a lot of us do--admit it.) it will kind of chunk off. Waterproof formula seems to feel a little more sticky than non-waterproof mascaras.
On a scale of 1 to 5?: I give it a 4. It does what it says it will. But still it isn't "The One" we have mentioned before!
Repeat offender?: I don't usually re-buy mascaras because I like to try different ones each time but if I got this in another set or something I definitely wouldn't mind.

-M

CoverGirl Lash Blast Fusion, $7-$8

I have sensitive eyes, so I can never wear waterproof mascara. I actually have a lot of problems with regular mascara, especially if it stiffens your lashes and flakes everywhere. But, I've had pretty good luck with CoverGirl Lash Blast Fusion mascara--doesn't hurt my eyes at all!

Is it just me or are tubes of mascara getting bigger and bigger? The brush is pretty big too. I actually ended up poking the end of it onto my eyelid twice when I first used it, but I got used to it quickly and it didn't happen again (thankfully).

CoverGirl claims that this mascara will lengthen, define, and thicken your eyelashes. Well, it definitely lengthens and defines. As you can see in the pic above, the plastic brush has really tiny bristles that catch even the measliest of lashes. There are no clumps at all, so your lashes separate nicely. But, I wouldn't say that it thickens your lashes that much, if at all. If you're looking for length, thickness, and definition, or just for really thick, dark lashes, this isn't the mascara for you.

What's great about this is that it leaves my eyelashes feeling really soft, and it doesn't flake at all. It comes off pretty easily with water and doesn't feel like it's going to pull my lashes out. And actually, it doesn't really smudge that much either (a little, but not that much).

Final verdict
Cost: $7-$8, available at drugstores, Target, Amazon, etc.
Texture: No clumps at all. It leaves my eyelashes feeling soft and doesn't flake on me. Really comfortable for my sensitive eyes.
Fusion?: It claims to do it all--lengthen, thicken, and define. It lengthens and defines pretty nicely, but does not thicken.
Repeat offender?: I don't think I'd buy this again. I'm happy that it doesn't bother my eyes, is easily removed, and doesn't smudge too much. And it works well for a clean, daytime look. But it didn't really deliver on its promise to do all 3, and I was really hoping for thickened and defined lashes. Ah well, I'll use it until it's done.

-T

What I'm Wearing - 5/21/10

Happy Friday! Last weekend I tried a new look on my eyes. I was going for a more interesting way to get the "no eyeliner" look, different from my usual "as much eyeliner as possible" look. I used:

-Urban Decay's primer (Sin on top lid; Original on outside and bottom)
-Urban Decay eyeshadow in Scratch (a beautiful shimmery baby pink for across the lids included in this palette)
-Maybelline eyeshadow in Urban Brown (for the outside wing, crease, and a little underneath)
-Urban Decay Liquid Eyeliner in Roach (just a little on the outside half of the top lid)
-Clinique Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula in Black Onyx (top and bottom, for a clean, "awake" look)
-Nars Orgasm blush


After priming, I swept Scratch across my entire lid with an eyeshadow brush (from EcoTools). Then, using the top of the brush, I worked Urban Brown into the crease, extending the line past my eyelid for a little wing. I took the angled brush and smudged some Urban Brown into and right underneath my bottom lashes (outer half of my eye only) and connected it to the wing. I cleaned the eyeshadow brush and used it to blur and soften the lines, making it look more natural but still dramatic. I lined the outer part of my top lid with Roach--I couldn't go completely without eyeliner! I think it looked really cool but I'll still need to work on perfecting the angles. The colors are amazing though--brown and pink are so flattering on hazel eyes.





I also put up a new discussion on our Facebook page: How much makeup do you carry in your purse? Click on the icon in the sidebar and become a fan!
Muah!
-T

What I'm Wearing - 4/23/10

Hey lovelies! I tried a new eye makeup technique over the weekend and wanted to show you. (Click on any picture here to make it larger.)

I'm wearing:
-Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Original (top and bottom)
-Urban Decay Deluxe Eyeshadow in Freakshow (we've mentioned Urban eyeshadows a few times here--these are their super vibrant ones)
-Almay Liquid Liner in Black (not yet reviewed)--top lid
-Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero (mentioned here)--inner rim
-Clinique Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula in Black Onyx
-Nars Orgasm blush

Love the eyeshadow--dark and sultry, but super vibrant and purple. Tip: For some reason, you MUST use the primer potion with this shade. I wore it once without it and it just didn't work. In the container it looks almost black, but actually has a lot of color. The website describes it as having a "red sheen"--I don't really see what they mean, but I guess it is a more red shade of purple than a blue shade.

Using the angled brush from the EcoTools Bamboo set, I smudged some eyeshadow on the outer edge of my lower lash line and connected it with the eyeshadow on top. I kept my eyeliner super thin.

I really liked the effect--super dark on top but not too dramatic on bottom, which stopped it from being too over top. My eyes still looked awake, so it worked for daytime.

Have a great weekend!

-T

Maybelline Define-A-Lash Volume Waterproof Mascara in Very Black, $4-$10

As promised to two loyal readers this week, I've got a mascara review, a waterproof mascara review to be more precise. I love to try different mascaras each time I run out because unlike other beauty products it seems like most mascaras are truly unique formulas. The one I picked up is Maybelline's Waterproof Define-A-Lash Volume Mascara in Very Black.


Alright so here is the rundown, this product promises "zero clumps," "clean definition," and "voluptuous volume." Do we get all 3 promises? Not so much, but two out of three isn't so bad. You definitely get "clean definition" and "voluptuous volume" because this baby goes on thick and dark. I really love the look of super dark voluptuous lashes and the "clean definition" is referring to (in my opinion) the fact that this stuff dries super fast. But "zero clumps" is something to argue. Ok so I'll give them this, there are no clumps on the brush, because as you can see it is one of those new plastic brushes with the little plastic spikes sticking out as opposed to a traditional brushey-brush (technical word, I know!). But clumps definitely appear on the lashes after a few layers of mascara. I like to layer mascara on a few times, and around the fourth brush stroke this mascara starts to clump. It isn't a horrible problem because I've been dealing with clumping since I started using mascara, I don't really see it as a product turn off.



Final verdict:
Cost: You can find this priced between $4 and $10. I found it on Amazon for $4.99 and on Drugstore.com for $6.99 (with a buy 1 get one 50% off special). Not bad.
Brush functionality: I love the long and thin shape of the brush. If you look carefully it has an hour-glass shape with a point at the top, designed to hit even the shortest lashes. I think the brush's design is definitely a winning point for me here.
Does it clump?: If you layer it on too thick (as I tend to do) yes it does clump.
Is it waterproof?: Yes, I went to the gym with it on, even took a shower with it on and it stayed in place. After getting wet if you touch it with your fingers it does flake off, but it doesn't run down your face like in the movies. Also, it dries on thick and hard, so you aren't going to have soft lashes.
Repeat offender?: I don't tend to repeat mascaras but this is a pretty good deal, it is a big bottle what will last a long time and it achieves the promised look. I dig it.

PS--In honor of Earth Day Drugstore.com has a special 40% off on green and natural product, thought I'd share that with you guys! I noticed some Burt's Bee's products are in this sale too so stock up if you are into a specific one!

-M

A Little Bit BADgal Lash Mascara by Benefit, $9

I got this miniature size BADgal Lash Mascara by Benefit through one of my many Sephora.com purchases. It turns out that Sephora not only sells the full size bottle for $19 (.3 oz) but they also sell this mini bottle for $9 (.14 oz), I was thinking it was just a sample size but it is available to purchase.


This mascara comes is rich black, blue, or deep plum. I’m not really into colored mascaras so I’ll stick with the black. The color is true to its name and definitely black. It coats the lashes thickly and lengthens as you apply it from the base of the lashes to the ends. The BADgal lash by Benefit is different from other mascaras because of the fat brush.


The fat brush is good for “fluffing” up your lashes all at once and fanning them out. However, I personally did not like the fat brush that much because I think it is too big. I got this in my eye once and it definitely was not pretty, and neither were the words coming out of my mouth. It is nice that the brush is soft and fat but I found that after using it for a bit the mascara started to clump a lot on the brush. Maybe because it is a thicker brush the makeup dried up on it easier. I can say that the mascara did stay on all day and even though it isn’t waterproof it did not run or anything. One trick I found with using the fat brush was to bring the brush up under your top lashes almost to the base and then slowly blink your lashes over the brush. This tip really helps get the longer lash effect since the full brush hold the mascara in place and your lashes “run” over it.

(Here is the BADgal Lash brush on top compared to an average size brush)
Final verdict:
Cost: $9 for a small, $19 for a full size. If you are going to get the mascara I say shell out the $19 and buy the full size, especially if you are going to wear it daily.
Rating: I give this mascara a 3 out of 5. It isn’t a bad mascara but it isn’t one that I would get again.
Look?: It gives you a full and soft lash.
Repeat offender?: Like I said before, it is a good product, but not for me. I prefer a mascara with a smaller brush that can coat lashes in smaller sections.
-M

PS--Get 15% off Sephora.com purchases tonight from 6-9 PM by entering the code VIBMADNESS--I am definitely placing an order!

Urban Decay Hall of Fame, $20

This is by far the coolest, most awesome, best deal gift set ever. Ok maybe not ever, but one of them . . . When the time came that my dear and most trusted beauty product Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion was close to running out I found this awesome deal that includes an XL version of my #1 product/bff for life. One bottle of the XL Eyeshadow Primer Potion costs $23 (this is 60% bigger than the original size) but this set which includes the primer and a bunch of other useful goodies is a mere $20. I don’t even need to re-review the Primer Potion because we bring it up so often anyways and you can read our review here.


This set also comes with a mini 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil. This pencil comes in different colors but in the Hall of Fame you get good old black or as they call it Zero. This pencil is waterproof and goes on super smoothly. I personally am not a fan of pencils that you have to sharpen because I hate sharpening makeup pencils. But this pencil is pretty cool and I would consider getting it in different colors.


The Midnight Cowboy Lipstick in the Hall of Fame not only has a super cool name but it is actually a pretty nice lipstick. It is a beige color with a hint of shimmer, on your lips it looks pretty natural but like I’ve said before about lipstick, it just adds a polishing effect.


One of the beauty products that cracks me up every time I see it is the Pocket Rocket lipgloss. When you purchase a full bottle of the Pocket Rocket it comes adorned with a holographic picture of a clothed dude and when you move the bottle ever so slightly the dude is suddenly in his underwear. Hot. So if dudes can have bikini-clad women on their lighters we can have perfectly muscled men in their underwear on our lipgloss! But seriously it is more funny than it is sexy. The lipgloss however was a really big surprise to me! I am not big on lipgloss but I tried this and it stayed on for a long time! That is pretty amazing because I ate, drank, talked, and still had some gloss on my lips. I might actually consider getting a tube of the full-size Pocket Rocket. Oh and this one is called Timothy, yes, they are named by the guy on them.


I love, love, love to try different mascaras every time I run out. I actually feel like I haven’t bought a full tube of mascara for about a year because I get so many samples. So being that I am somewhat of a mascara connoisseur I am going to give this mascara a 3 out of 5. The mascara goes on fine but it starts to get flakey (if you touch it) by the end of the day and I’m not really cool with that feeling, especially because I wear contacts. I have been using the Skyscraper mascara for a couple weeks now and will continue to until I run out but I probably wouldn’t buy a full bottle of it. I can’t love everything, even though I really want to sometimes!



Final verdict:
Cost: You really can’t beat $20 for this set, its like paying less for a bottle of primer and getting 4 extra treats.
Quality: Urban Decay is one of my top quality brands, I hardly ever find myself disappointed with their products. Also, how cool is the packaging on all of this stuff?
Where to buy it?: You can get it here from Urban Decay's website!
Repeat offender?: If I manage to run out of the XL primer and this set is still available I’d probably buy it again because the deal is pretty sweet.
-M

Maybelline Full 'N Soft Mascara, $5-$8

(Maybelline Full 'N Soft Mascara in Very Black)
I have found Maybelline Full 'N Soft Mascara to be the least irritating mascara I've ever used. It's great for my extremely sensitive eyes because it has a very smooth, inky kind of texture that never makes your lashes feel stiff or tight. Maybelline says it has an ingredient that allows for easy removal, thus reducing the loss of lashes that can happen when mascara just won't come off. Its thick, bristly brush deposits a lot of color onto the lash line, creating the illusion of thickness. It looks really good if you comb through your lashes first, add a coat or two (while still wet), and wear a lot of dramatic black eyeliner (my fave!).

It is also available in a waterproof formula--however, because I have such problems with mascara, I've stuck with the regular kind. And let me warn you, it is extremely not waterproof. Any rubbing or crying will make it come right off--but hey, I think it's worth it. I just won't wear it to the beach. :)

Final verdict
Cost: Very affordable, and available nearly everywhere.
Good for sensitive eyes?: Definitely. This mascara keeps your lashes soft, doesn't flake at all, and comes off easily.
Looks?: Hot. Adds a lot of sultry thickness to your eyelashes.
Repeat offender?: Oh yeah. I've bought this stuff for years.

-T

Clinique Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula, $14

(Clinique Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula in Black Onyx)
It's really hard for me to find a mascara that won't irritate my super-sensitive eyes, let alone one that's supposed to be long-lasting. This one is almost perfect (read: almost). It lengthens, curls, and defines my lashes immensely. I've never really thought that a change in mascara could make a big difference in how I look, but this one makes me look really wide-eyed and awake, and I like the effect.

If you notice, Clinique calls it "long-wearing," not "waterproof," because it actually only comes off with warm water. It's lasted through sweat and tears, literally. It leaves absolutely no smudge or raccoon-eye whatsoever--yay! It's really easy to pull off gently when you're in the shower or washing your face.

There's only one problem: It still irritates my eyes a little. I should mention here that in addition to having sensitive eyes, I'm also kinda a compulsive picker. Any mascaras that make my eyelashes feel really tight will provoke the picking compulsion. These are generally the same ones that will flake on their own; I just help them get going. And this one, unfortunately, is one of those. The tiny, tiny little bits get in my eyes and irritate them. True, not as bad as other mascaras, but irritating all the same. I've also forgotten to take it off at night, and woken up with a bunch of little flakes on my face and in my eyes. Ouch.

Final verdict:
Cost: $14 may seem high when compared to drug-store brands, but for high-end mascara it's a pretty normal price.
Long-wearing?: Actually, yes. It does stay on through heat and crying, and comes off very easily in warm water with no smudging.
For sensitive eyes?: This may be good for some sensitive eyes (Clinique says it's ophthalmologist-tested and allergy-free!), but I had a problem with flaking. When the flakes fall in my eyes, they bother me.
Repeat offender: I wouldn't buy it again--I'm still on the search for the perfect mascara for sensitive eyes (hopefully one that won't smudge everywhere, too). But, it looks so good that I didn't return it--I've been just kinda dealing with it. If you don't have sensitive eyes or a problem with some flakes, it might work well for you.
-T