Category: eyes

Yves Saint Laurent ‘Volume Effet Faux Cils’ Mascara

I know, I know… you can get a good mascara at the local drugstore. But you can’t get a mind-blowing, excellent, beautiful mascara at the drugstore. This stuff lives up to all my wishes: fullness – check, volume – check, no flakes – check, massive staying power – check, false lash effect – check. I also found you can build to get that real faux last effect or just a couple strokes for the day. it comes in all these vibrant (and edgy) colors, but I am currently swooning over black.

This YSL mascara has a permanent place on my favorites list. Did I mention it just doesn’t come off! ($30)

M·A·C ‘Haute & Naughty Lash’ Mascara

The M·A·C ‘Haute & Naughty Lash’ Mascara creates two different styles of flawless lashes without breaking the bank or irritating my skin. You can choose between natural looking lashes or full-on drama. If you unscrew the pink cap, the effect is natural with no clumps. If you unscrew the purple cap, expect a highly dramatic lash look. This mascara is not waterproof, but water resistant – if you shed a few tears you aren’t going to have a full makeup melt down, but a day in the pool guarantees some bleeding of the color. But don’t expect a super easy removal – this stuff stays on! The only other downside, is it is only available in black. ($18)

Thanks to Sarah, a budding beauty blogger herself, for reporting her findings on her new favorite mascara. Stay posted for updates on her new blog.

Bare Escentuals Buxom® Lash Mascara

Mascara with long-lasting wear, no flakes and feathery fullness. What is rare about this mascara is that it delivers volume with literally no clumps. The word that came to mind as I checked the wear throughout the day was “fluffy”. The mascara delivers a really wearable look but probably isn’t the best for dramatic lashes. The shape of the brush made it slightly more difficult to get to the lashes in the corner and my lower lashes, but the lasting formula makes up for it. The mascara also contains vitamins and antioxidants, so I believe there could be long-term benefits. ($18)

L’Oreal HiP High Intensity Pigments Matte Shadow Duo Striking

I wanted a low commitment way to try yellow makeup so I picked up this eyeshadow duo on whim. I had heard great things about the High Intensity Pigments products from L’Oreal and with the sale at CVS, the price was right. I was really impressed with the quality of shadow – very smooth and pigmented. I found that it is designed to be built up, so I could get a very subtle and sheer layer of yellow. I actually was pleasantly surprised. The yellow looks fresh and compliments my skin (with lots of red) very well. I would wear it with little or no liner. Maybe a powder liner using the other side of the duo.

L’Oreal Double Extend Eye Illuminator Mascara

I am a sucker for gimmicks and this double mascara sucked me right in. It is offered in four colors – for green, blue and brown eyes and one suitable for all eye colors. I bought the Black Quartz for Brown Eyes. I should have known this would be a disappointment since I don’t really understand how lashes can “illuminate” eyes. One end of the wand adds volume and length with a traditional applicator. Step two is done with the other end of the wand and a sphere-shaped brush. The color of this step is a brown pearl with metallic. The mascara did not stay on for long and the second step was more work for no payoff. In my opinion, there are lots of drugstore mascaras that are far more effective.

Le Métier de Beauté Precision Liquid Liner

Le Métier de Beauté is on the top of their game. For luxury cosmetics, you can’t go wrong with this brand. I can find counters in Austin, so the privately held company has really rolled out their products from the uber-exclusivity just a few years ago. While the price point really demands excellence, you will get it. The liquid liner in a pen format brings loads to the table. It is very easy to travel with and even easier to apply. I lay down the quill-tipped applicator along the lash line. For a bolder eye, I just use a heavier hand and draw a dramatic line (or cat-eye). There are some gel eyeliners that have a longer wear, but this product makes up for it in ease with no need for pots or brushes. And if you allow the line to dry for a couple minutes, the liner is completely smudge-proof.