Tag: mascara

CHANEL Le Volume de CHANEL

CHANEL is a makeup brand that I admire, but don’t frequently use. I am not one to shy away from luxury makeup, so I am not quite sure why this is the case. Here in Tulsa, one of the best known makeup artists works at the local CHANEL counter at Saks and a recent project has me collaborating with artists. So in getting to know her, I’ve fallen for Chanel makeup and incorporated a couple items into my routine.

Most surprisingly, my addiction to waterproof mascara might have been cured. The women in Saks recommended Chanel’s newest mascara, Le Volume de CHANEL and, because I am a volume fanatic, I gave it a whirl. The formula is incredibly lush and glossy. Their proprietary brush (Snowflakes) has both long and short bristles to plump the whole lash line. The ultimate test was last week, on my way back to the hotel with some work friends, when we were laughing so hard we cried. That non-waterproof mascara didn’t budge. Plus, its made in Italy – totally justifying the splurge.

MAC In Extreme Dimension Waterproof Mascara

I am falling all over again for MAC Cosmetics after a long break. For a while, the brand felt heavy, not that natural and maybe a bit too young. But after trying out Strobe Cream (thank you, Birchbox), Studio Face & Body Foundation and Complete Comfort Cream, I am back.

I know mascara is personal. But for me, I prefer waterproof. I suffer from terrible allergies. I am known to tear up at every single episode of This Is Us (and the Olympics) and I suffer from terrible fallout. If you are like me, check out MAC In Extreme Dimension Waterproof Mascara.

On a layover in the Houston airport and in need looking way more awake before a business meeting, I was introduced to this mascara. It provides a slight curl, giving that rested look. The whipped formula is totally weightless. It doesn’t budge one bit. And the brush is brilliant, allowing for full application from root to tip without looking heavy or clump.

I think the Complete Comfort Cream calls for a follow up, so more details on that to come. Such a great price and really helps with redness. For now, my current MAC favorites:

Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara

I promise I am not prudish, but I hesitated for years to buy the fan-favorite Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara because of the name. It just sounds weird to me. But I finally pulled the trigger and wanted to share my thoughts on this cult-classic. But as a spin, I tried the waterproof version. As a matter of preference, I just gravitate towards waterproof formulas because I don’t want to think about fallout or streaking, especially during these allergy-prone months.

First, the shade – I love this rich, black pigment. The inky black coats my lashes making them full and defined. The high-performance and water-resistant polymers make this mascara absolutely waterproof, sweat-proof, and allergy-proof. I have zero fallout or streaking until I wash my face.

Now, the brush and it’s hourglass-shape. I am not a fan. For some reason, I get product accumulating on the tip of the brush and can have clumps if I don’t regularly clean the wand of product. Which I find just wasteful. The bristles aren’t as stiff as advertised and I wish there was a tapered end of the brush to reach those corner lashes that often desperately need pigment.

Overall, I get a pigmented and long-wearing, voluminous finish. And my lashes have appeared more conditioned since I started using this mascara. I find the brush less than desirable, but a great formula that makes it worth it. Available at Sephora.

My Two Favorite Eye Makeup Products

Yesterday, I received a restock of my favorite eye makeup products – a liner and mascara. It dawned on me that I hadn’t shared them here in a while (or together). So when you find a perfect “recipe” for easy and defined, everyday eyes, it needs to be shared!

I fell hard for Kevyn Aucoin Beauty ‘The Volume’ Mascara but then got distracted trying out other brands. After a series of disappointment (and even several weeks skipping mascara all together) I remembered my old favorite. I was so sick of fallout and this is the only one that stays on all day. This smaller brush is nimble and works well getting volume and pigment on all lashes.

I’ve been hanging on to the last bit of my Trish McEvoy Lash Enhancing Liquid Liner Pen – it was embarrassingly old. But I still loved it. Imagine how stoked I was when I used my fresh one this morning and the pigment and ink were brighter and bolder with my trusty formula. (note to self: replace old products more frequently!) Add in that the formula can improve the length and fullness of lashes in only 15 days, and I call that a dream eyeliner.

image here

NARS Audacious Mascara

Much like the Audacious Lipsticks, NARS’ Audacious Mascara has made quite an impression on me. I’ve been in a bit of a mascara rut lately, loving (but stuck on) this one. So when NARS launched their first mascara in a while, I was jumping to try it out.

Audacious is designed for definition and length in my opinion. The unique brush is designed with 200 molded (plastic) bristles. Some people feel strongly about traditional brushes, but I happen to love the plastic variety as I get fewer clumps. Each bristle has lengthening hooks. The tapered tip is perfect for inner and outer lashes.

The mascara is incredibly light-weight, making it long-wearing. I get every-so-slight fall out but not until after a twelve hour day. And this mascara could come with one warning – the bristles are so stiff and long I have poked my eye once or twice. But this is likely attributed to my poor morning hour coordination than anything else. Just take care (and your time) using Audacious Mascara.

Available now at NARScosmetics.com.

PR SAMPLES AND AFFILIATE LINKS MAY BE INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE POST

Running Late!

Thanks to an infatuation with and current re-watching of the 1983 WWII mini-series, Winds of War, I stayed up WAY too late last night. As a result, I slept right through all the severe weather last night. Tulsa was spared but those affected in Oklahoma City and elsewhere are in my prayers. I also woke up at 8AM – oops.

Since I knew I only had about 15 minutes to throw myself together, my makeup routine was seriously pared down. First, I’ve been using the Caudalie Gradual Self-Tanning Cream – the best self tanner for the face I’ve found to date. So that natural glow allowed for a little less makeup.

I alternate between Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint and bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream but this AM I reached for the bareMinerals in Natural. I am completely obsessed with the RMS goodies I found this past weekend in New York. I apply RMS UnCoverup in 22 just below my eyes, on any blemishes and around my nose. RMS Living Luminizer goes on my cheekbones and brow bones (and, frankly, anywhere else I am feeling it – this stuff adds a perfect natural glow). The pale golden shade also nourishes skin with ingredients like coconut oil and rosemary extract. I know I keep mentioning it, but the Tata Harper Voluminous Cheek and Lip Stain in Very Vivacious is ideal on the apples of the cheeks.

The last step was a surprise obsession. A friend gifted to me the Kevin Aucoin The Mascara Volume Mascara a couple weeks ago. I usually don’t have any luck with the tubular mascara – just a personal preference – so I was hesitant. But I have come to be totally impressed with the lack of fall out, clump-free separated lashes and long-lasting, inky finish.

Boom, I was out of the door and at my desk almost on time.

pr samples and affiliate links may be included in the above post

image via DTTSP