Author: Lindsay

tarte EmphasEYES™ High Definition Eye Pencil

I really like the “tight line” look of eyeliner I learned back in high school.  I was on a search for a tool to achieve this look in pencil form.  An artist confidently pointed me to  EmphasEYES as something that would have staying power when you apply the “tight line” close to your lashes.  But this failed in almost every respect.  The applicator delivered a very wide line after just one use.  There was zero staying power.  No matter what look you are trying to achieve, the delicate and thin pencil makes it hard to apply. So far I have yet to find a pencil to get this look so I am sticking with my gel liner or wet powder.

L’Oreal EverSleek Intense Smoothing Shampoo

I really like the concept of this line.  The whole line is free of sulfates which initially led me to buy the EverStrong line.  The EverStrong worked okay for me, but when I realized they had an EverSleek available, I was on off to the drugstore.  I have fine hair, but lots of it, and in the winter it can get really unruly (read: frizzy) in the back.  I am not sure if it is the lack of silicon, but this doesn’t weigh my hair down like other smoothing products.  Argan, olive and sunflower oils are used to smooth. Without even blow-drying, my hair is smooth and bouncy.  There isn’t much of a fragrance, which I like in a shampoo, but I’ll overlook it because this stuff really works.

NYX Slim Eye Pencil

Now I can see why this is so popular.  I am just, just trying out this line of makeup.  I guess better late to the party than to never arrive at all.  First: $3.49. Yep, that’s right.  Second: thanks to coconut oils, this pencil goes on really smooth.  It comes in loads of shades, including tons of neutrals:

Black
Brown
Dark Brown
Light Brown
Charcoal
Medium Brown

The pencil has great staying power.  At this price, you can afford to throw one in your purse, just in case.  What a find!

Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume Lash Building Mascara

I liked the idea of a sculpting mascara since I have seen tremendous effect with simply curling my lashes. This mascara did actually curl my lashes.  Even though it came out a bit cakey, the effect was voluminous.  The formula is supposed to have a “glazing” gel-formula that holds each lash.  But the product didn’t stay on my lashes well.  About three hours in, I got flakes below my eyes.  By bedtime, the effect was gone.  Lesson learned, I am going to stick with my favorites:

d.j.v. beautenizer Fiberwig LX

Voluminous Million Lashes Black

OPI Birthday Babe Nail Lacquer

I needed some celebration in my life (in the form of metallic, opaque nail polish).  This a true silver – think like the outside of a Mac Book but shinier. It is not my birthday for another four months, but this color looked like the right kind of party.  It wears really well.  However, it does not pass for a neutral.  This could be fabulous on the beach this summer on sun-kissed tootsies.

L’Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Professional Magic Smooth Souffle Makeup

I am so lazy when matching colors.  So I shy away from drugstore brands.  I still haven’t figured out the right shade for the hot, new Maybelline FIT.  But I did happen to find the right shade in this Souffle and I was smitten with the texture.  I thought it would be perfect to use with the L’Oreal Magic Perfecting Base, previously and positively reviewed.  While the color worked well with my Fair-Medium skin, there was a greyish cast to my face.  There wasn’t the luminosity I have enjoyed with so many other products.  For a matte look, this could work, but cheek color would have to be employed.