So everyone knows that I love love love Paula Begoun, yes? Since I am still on my stupid night schedule and can't sleep, I started trolling youtube and found the coolest make up videos! (In addition to watching hot singers like Britney Spears dance around in her underwear.) Paula totally does a step-by-step make up application that is pretty cool. Weilyn, remember when we talked about contouring? Here are easy instructions! Seriously, if you have 30 min to kill, this is worth watching. A little hardcore (there is no way I spend that much time on make up or am that precise--a magnifying mirror, really?!), but tons of useful info. Check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/CosmeticsCopTV#p/c/7E824217BD51CB6C
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Mascara!
Ok girls, so you all know that lip gloss is my absolute favorite make up item, but mascara is a close second. And I think you need to be pickier about your mascara than your lip gloss b/c lips don't need a lot of help or a lot of dressing up. But a good mascara can make a huge difference for your eyes, and I consider lashes to be a big weapon for flirtation. =) So here are all my current thoughts on mascara:
1)Favorite mascaras
-Max Factor Volume Couture. This is a one of those plastic spiky brush mascaras that really gives you a lot of bang for the buck. You get volume, length, and dark color easily with just a few swipes. It's quick, rarely smudges on me, is easily combed out with a lash comb, and lasts all night (and sometimes until the morning after!). Spiky brushes really are the greatest new invention in mascara. I never thought I'd like them, but they deliver just the right amount of product with minimal clumping. But sadly, I just found out that Max Factor isn't going to be available after 2010!!! Help!!! I need to find a new awesome mascara!
http://www.maxfactor.com/index.jsp#MAX_volumeCoutureMascara
-Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara. LOVE this giant classic brush. Great formula that really lets you build up the layers. You end up with soft, touchable fringe that really is super-full. But it does take a long time to build--you have to be patient. And here is why this is #2 on my list--it freaking smudges on me like crazy!!! WHY?! I've even tried the waterproof version, and it is SO not the same. Doesn't build the same way and the brush is totally different. In summary, total crap. So although I absolutely love this mascara and the flirting power it gives me, it really isn't good enough to use on a regular basis or on a big night out.
http://www.neutrogena.com/econsumer/ntg/productdetail.browse?segment=women&catId=2&subCatId=5&productId=423&target=/products/cosmetics/healthy-volume-mascara.jsp
-Cover Girl Lash Blast. This is the closest I can find to Max Factor. My major complaint is that the brush is just too darn big. And so is the tube. The whole thing just doesn't fit in my hand right and is a pain to use. Why can't they make it smaller?! It does build very fast with great volume and minimal clumping and no smudging, but I just can't stand the feel of the stupid tube. I've even tried the new lengthening version since it is much smaller, but it doesn't have the same volume oomph. It's good, but it takes more time for less results. (And why do they advertise lengthening anyway? All mascaras give the illusion of length by darkening out your lash tips. Nothing really EXTENDS your lashes unless you use those fiber bases. Which I don't really like, by the way, b/c they always end up looking weird with stray fibers in weird places. But they do really build for very wimpy lashes. Just hope no one looks to closely at your lashes.)
And the Lash Blast Luxe is total crap. Formula is completely different and probably one of the worst mascaras I've ever used. I have no idea how they managed to make it so wimpy and bad. I will probably check out some of their older mascaras that utitlize the spiky wand but not so large as the Lash Blast to see if I can find a replacement for my Max Factor. Cover Girl in general makes very good mascaras (in my humble opinion).
http://www.covergirl.com/beauty_products/mascara/
-Dior Diorshow. I think this mascara is amazing also b/c of the giant brush. I think it is probably about the same as Neutrogena in my book but 3 times as expensive. Same pros, same cons. It totally smears all over the place. Never tried the waterproof version, but heard it was the same as Neutrogena--totally different formula that sucked. I did try the super dark kohl version--still smeary. Too bad. But at least I don't have to spend $30 on mascara anymore.
2)Crappy Mascaras
-All Rimmel mascaras. I have had very bad experiences with all these mascaras, mainly b/c they all smear and smudge like crazy on me. Doesn't matter which one I try. None of them seem to stay on my lashes properly. Which is too bad, b/c Rimmel is often reasonably priced with lots of new stuff all the time.
-That new Givenchy mascara with the spiky ball brush. Don't even know what it's called. It sucks. It's perpetually wet and smears all over the damn place. I got to try it for free from Allure. Everyone else who reviewed it agrees. Why doesn't it dry? Some weird formula that sucks.
-Wet N Wild Mascara. I know it's cheap and tempting, but don't bother. It's all crap.
3)Ok Mascaras
-L'Oreal mascaras. I don't seem to have great luck with these. A lot of them smear on me or just don't seem to build much volume. Although I did try most of these before I was lash perming, and my major complaint at that point was that L'Oreal mascaras are too damn heavy. They would always sink my newly curled lashes right after I curled them. Maybe I will give some of these a try now that I need a new favorite.
-Maybelline. Don't seem to love these either. Have tried many types with a lot of smearing. That original cult favorite Great Lash is total crap. Doesn't do much, smears all over the place. At least on me. Maybe I just have greaseball lower lids. (Although I find it kind of doubtful that I am the only one.) I would investigate Cover Girl before this brand.
4)General Comments
-I don't think you need to spend a lot of money to get great lashes. Drugstore and beauty counter mascaras are all pretty similar. There is a cheap counterpart to every amazing expensive mascara. (Most of the companies own both a drugstore and beauty counter brand, so they market great stuff on both sides.) Don't let those fancy make up ladies convince you otherwise. Besides, you have to throw it out all the time or end up using it up. Mascara is the only make up item that I reliably go through and am buying all the time.
-Get a lash comb. The metal one by Tweezerman is particularly good. Plastic ones suck. They aren't skinny enough to really comb out those fine lashes. Just be careful and don't spear your eye on a metal one. It has to be pointy. So don't be drunk-mascara-ing.
http://www.tweezerman.com/scripts/item.cfm?gc=L&sc=DD&itemsku=1054-R&topmenu=1&submenu=2
-Get an eyelash curler. Or a perm. Curling lashes really opens up your eyes. Asian lashes are particularly fine and subject to wilting from heavy mascara. You need a light mascara or a waterproof version that hairsprays your lashes in place. Or you could just get a perm like me. =) I don't think any particular curler is better than any other. As long as it fits your eye shape, you're good.
-Haven't checked out the new vibrating mascaras yet. Seems like overkill. I get perfectly awesome lashes with regular mascaras. Don't understand why I need to pay more for a motor. Seems like a good way to get mascara all over my face. Thoughts?
-And I don't even have to mention items like Revitalash and Latisse, right?
Ok, will add more if I think of anything. Please add if you have favorites or something you hate!
1)Favorite mascaras
-Max Factor Volume Couture. This is a one of those plastic spiky brush mascaras that really gives you a lot of bang for the buck. You get volume, length, and dark color easily with just a few swipes. It's quick, rarely smudges on me, is easily combed out with a lash comb, and lasts all night (and sometimes until the morning after!). Spiky brushes really are the greatest new invention in mascara. I never thought I'd like them, but they deliver just the right amount of product with minimal clumping. But sadly, I just found out that Max Factor isn't going to be available after 2010!!! Help!!! I need to find a new awesome mascara!
http://www.maxfactor.com/index.jsp#MAX_volumeCoutureMascara
-Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara. LOVE this giant classic brush. Great formula that really lets you build up the layers. You end up with soft, touchable fringe that really is super-full. But it does take a long time to build--you have to be patient. And here is why this is #2 on my list--it freaking smudges on me like crazy!!! WHY?! I've even tried the waterproof version, and it is SO not the same. Doesn't build the same way and the brush is totally different. In summary, total crap. So although I absolutely love this mascara and the flirting power it gives me, it really isn't good enough to use on a regular basis or on a big night out.
http://www.neutrogena.com/econsumer/ntg/productdetail.browse?segment=women&catId=2&subCatId=5&productId=423&target=/products/cosmetics/healthy-volume-mascara.jsp
-Cover Girl Lash Blast. This is the closest I can find to Max Factor. My major complaint is that the brush is just too darn big. And so is the tube. The whole thing just doesn't fit in my hand right and is a pain to use. Why can't they make it smaller?! It does build very fast with great volume and minimal clumping and no smudging, but I just can't stand the feel of the stupid tube. I've even tried the new lengthening version since it is much smaller, but it doesn't have the same volume oomph. It's good, but it takes more time for less results. (And why do they advertise lengthening anyway? All mascaras give the illusion of length by darkening out your lash tips. Nothing really EXTENDS your lashes unless you use those fiber bases. Which I don't really like, by the way, b/c they always end up looking weird with stray fibers in weird places. But they do really build for very wimpy lashes. Just hope no one looks to closely at your lashes.)
And the Lash Blast Luxe is total crap. Formula is completely different and probably one of the worst mascaras I've ever used. I have no idea how they managed to make it so wimpy and bad. I will probably check out some of their older mascaras that utitlize the spiky wand but not so large as the Lash Blast to see if I can find a replacement for my Max Factor. Cover Girl in general makes very good mascaras (in my humble opinion).
http://www.covergirl.com/beauty_products/mascara/
-Dior Diorshow. I think this mascara is amazing also b/c of the giant brush. I think it is probably about the same as Neutrogena in my book but 3 times as expensive. Same pros, same cons. It totally smears all over the place. Never tried the waterproof version, but heard it was the same as Neutrogena--totally different formula that sucked. I did try the super dark kohl version--still smeary. Too bad. But at least I don't have to spend $30 on mascara anymore.
2)Crappy Mascaras
-All Rimmel mascaras. I have had very bad experiences with all these mascaras, mainly b/c they all smear and smudge like crazy on me. Doesn't matter which one I try. None of them seem to stay on my lashes properly. Which is too bad, b/c Rimmel is often reasonably priced with lots of new stuff all the time.
-That new Givenchy mascara with the spiky ball brush. Don't even know what it's called. It sucks. It's perpetually wet and smears all over the damn place. I got to try it for free from Allure. Everyone else who reviewed it agrees. Why doesn't it dry? Some weird formula that sucks.
-Wet N Wild Mascara. I know it's cheap and tempting, but don't bother. It's all crap.
3)Ok Mascaras
-L'Oreal mascaras. I don't seem to have great luck with these. A lot of them smear on me or just don't seem to build much volume. Although I did try most of these before I was lash perming, and my major complaint at that point was that L'Oreal mascaras are too damn heavy. They would always sink my newly curled lashes right after I curled them. Maybe I will give some of these a try now that I need a new favorite.
-Maybelline. Don't seem to love these either. Have tried many types with a lot of smearing. That original cult favorite Great Lash is total crap. Doesn't do much, smears all over the place. At least on me. Maybe I just have greaseball lower lids. (Although I find it kind of doubtful that I am the only one.) I would investigate Cover Girl before this brand.
4)General Comments
-I don't think you need to spend a lot of money to get great lashes. Drugstore and beauty counter mascaras are all pretty similar. There is a cheap counterpart to every amazing expensive mascara. (Most of the companies own both a drugstore and beauty counter brand, so they market great stuff on both sides.) Don't let those fancy make up ladies convince you otherwise. Besides, you have to throw it out all the time or end up using it up. Mascara is the only make up item that I reliably go through and am buying all the time.
-Get a lash comb. The metal one by Tweezerman is particularly good. Plastic ones suck. They aren't skinny enough to really comb out those fine lashes. Just be careful and don't spear your eye on a metal one. It has to be pointy. So don't be drunk-mascara-ing.
http://www.tweezerman.com/scripts/item.cfm?gc=L&sc=DD&itemsku=1054-R&topmenu=1&submenu=2
-Get an eyelash curler. Or a perm. Curling lashes really opens up your eyes. Asian lashes are particularly fine and subject to wilting from heavy mascara. You need a light mascara or a waterproof version that hairsprays your lashes in place. Or you could just get a perm like me. =) I don't think any particular curler is better than any other. As long as it fits your eye shape, you're good.
-Haven't checked out the new vibrating mascaras yet. Seems like overkill. I get perfectly awesome lashes with regular mascaras. Don't understand why I need to pay more for a motor. Seems like a good way to get mascara all over my face. Thoughts?
-And I don't even have to mention items like Revitalash and Latisse, right?
Ok, will add more if I think of anything. Please add if you have favorites or something you hate!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
what kind of BOND girl are you?
Warm and spicy?
Powerful and distinct?
Powerful and distinct?
Or sweet and intoxicating?
Bond No. 9
Chinatown (top), Eau de New York (middle), Scent of Peace (bottom)
Saturday, November 14, 2009
bobbi brown Galaxy cream shadow
Q: I'm finding that it's sparkly and kind of sheer. Would you recommend wearing another shadow with it? And where on the lid should I put it?
A: i think you can wear it by itself, during the day or at night or whenever. i got it for you b/c to me it is sort of a shimmery gray color, and i think gray looks good on everyone. if you use your finger, i would just smear it on the eyelid with my 4th finger in a half moon shape so that when you look at yourself in the mirror straight head, you can just see a bit of it above your crease. make sense? if you want it to be darker, you can use a brush and put it in the same shape. if it isn't dark enough, you can use your finger and just put 2 layers of it on. i usually end up using 2 layers when i use my finger b/c i feel like finger application comes out more sheer than brush app. you can also use it on top of your mac shadows if you want to give some shimmer. you can also use a powder shadow on top of the galaxy to give it more lasting power and make it less sparkly. you could put a sheer finger smear on and then use a brush to put a sheer, beige-y or whatever color with a brush on top (powder shadow). to make it dark for night, you could smear it on then use a brush with powder shadow in a silver, gray, black, blue, etc type colors. you could also use a dark brown or plum/purple color. i think silver is really versatile b/c you can use it with a lot of different other colors. if you want to be dramatic at night, you could put it all over your entire eye, including under the browbone to highlight, and then put a darker shadow in the crease area. then your whole eye would be sparkly and you would still have some definition with a darker shadow. but i think you will just have to experiment to see what you like best.
A: i think you can wear it by itself, during the day or at night or whenever. i got it for you b/c to me it is sort of a shimmery gray color, and i think gray looks good on everyone. if you use your finger, i would just smear it on the eyelid with my 4th finger in a half moon shape so that when you look at yourself in the mirror straight head, you can just see a bit of it above your crease. make sense? if you want it to be darker, you can use a brush and put it in the same shape. if it isn't dark enough, you can use your finger and just put 2 layers of it on. i usually end up using 2 layers when i use my finger b/c i feel like finger application comes out more sheer than brush app. you can also use it on top of your mac shadows if you want to give some shimmer. you can also use a powder shadow on top of the galaxy to give it more lasting power and make it less sparkly. you could put a sheer finger smear on and then use a brush to put a sheer, beige-y or whatever color with a brush on top (powder shadow). to make it dark for night, you could smear it on then use a brush with powder shadow in a silver, gray, black, blue, etc type colors. you could also use a dark brown or plum/purple color. i think silver is really versatile b/c you can use it with a lot of different other colors. if you want to be dramatic at night, you could put it all over your entire eye, including under the browbone to highlight, and then put a darker shadow in the crease area. then your whole eye would be sparkly and you would still have some definition with a darker shadow. but i think you will just have to experiment to see what you like best.
our friend prostaglandins
you all know that i am totally obsessed with eyelashes, so i wanted to share the latest news (at least to me). you know that jan marini age intervention eyelash serum i've been using? it's pretty well-known that it contains low-dose prostaglandins similar (or the same) as what is in anti-glaucoma meds. apparently b/c jan marini has gotten in so much trouble with the FDA, they have completely changed their product. it is now something like jan marini skin research 'marini lash.' it does NOT have the prostaglandins, so i really doubt it is going to be effective. so if anyone wants to buy it at this point, it is going to have to be through places that still have old stock. i always get it from ebay b/c it is WAY cheaper than the retail $160.
there are also now other products that supposedly have prostaglandins. the biggest/most well-known product is 'revitalash.' i haven't tried it personally but will probably buy it when i run out of my current jan marini stuff. i will obviously update everyone when i try it out. =) i got all of this info from my favorite website--cosmeticcop.com or maybe it is paulabegoun.com. whatever. she also suggests other products with prostaglandins: Peter Thomas Roth Lashes to Die For, MD Lash Factor, and Lilash. anyway, just thought i would pass on the info. =)
there are also now other products that supposedly have prostaglandins. the biggest/most well-known product is 'revitalash.' i haven't tried it personally but will probably buy it when i run out of my current jan marini stuff. i will obviously update everyone when i try it out. =) i got all of this info from my favorite website--cosmeticcop.com or maybe it is paulabegoun.com. whatever. she also suggests other products with prostaglandins: Peter Thomas Roth Lashes to Die For, MD Lash Factor, and Lilash. anyway, just thought i would pass on the info. =)
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