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Monday, November 25, 2013

Review: Kardashain Beauty "Whip Lash Eyelash Health Mascara"

Whether you love them or hate them, the Kardashians are everywhere. And lets be real- when an episode of the Kardashians are on you can't not watch them (admit it!) Being a beauty junkie, I've always wanted to try their makeup line. I mean, they have professional makeup artists do their faces every day so they've got to know something! Well, I took the plunge and got two of their mascaras. And I'm happy to say I am really pleased! The one I'll be talking about in today's review is called Whip Lash Eyelash Health Mascara.


$9.99, Ulta
I decided to try this one because it has a really interesting brush. On one side is like a smaller version of the Maybelline Great Lash and on the other side it's got longer bristles that taper out towards the end.

I must say this mascara is pretty good... Its more lengthening than volumizing. I curled my lashes with my Sephora eyelash curler. I used the flat side first and coated all my lashes and then I went in with the longer side of the wand and it really lengthens your lashes. It's got the idea of Maybelline the Falsies, except better. Someone actually asked me if I was wearing false eyelashes! And for that I say, way to go Kardashians! It held up really well throughout the day, too. It came off a little bit on the bottom, but I touch my eyes a lot so this isn't surprising. This mascara would look even better if you first used one coat of a volumizing mascara and then did the flat side of the Whip Lash and then the longer side. My one complaint is that the formula is very dry and the tube is really small (extremely skinny, probably on purpose...) so I can see this running out quickly. Anyways, still a good product!


Test it out, it's worth the money!

--Ms. Makeup

Curled lashes
One coat Whip Lash
2 coats Whip Lash
After 6 hours









 

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Review: Bare Minerals Lash Domination Mascara

This mascara is absolutely horrible, which is disappointing because Bare Minerals makes really great products (usually.) Most of the reviews I have read are pretty positive, but I completely disagree on this one. This mascara is extremely clumpy. I mean look at the brush... The way it twists and curls creates a thick line between the bristles which allows for a lot of product build up. I think thats why it gets so clumpy. It's an interesting idea for a brush but it just failed. The first coat looked okay (more bad than good,) but when I went in for the second coat my lashes got really spidery and thick, but in a bad, clumpy, ugly way. For me to get out the door with this mascara on my lashes, I had to go in with Clump Crusher and brush out all the clumps. I would not recommend this to anyone. Save your $18 and buy something else. The look of this brush reminds be of a twisted version of Buxom mascara, which is my all time favorite. Take the $18 and buy that! It has never ever failed me!

I will say one good thing about this- the packaging is cool! I love the metallic silver tube and the twisted top! So props on that...


Will you try this mascara?

--Ms. Makeup

Saturday, November 23, 2013

How To: Makeup for an Interview

Today's post is about proper makeup for a job interview. I had one today and I really liked how my look turned out so I thought I'd share! You definitely don't want too much, so to get my natural look keep on reading ---> 



1. First, use a primer to make sure your foundation lasts all day and doesn't get shiny. You don't want your interviewer to think you're dirty! I used Smashbox Photo Finish Blemish Control. Using your fingers, put this all over your face but be sure to focus on the middle of your face because that is where makeup tends to thin out during the day.

2. Apply a natural, matte foundation using a dense foundation brush. I used Makeup Forever's Mat Velvet (LOVE.) This stuff lasts a long time- takes about 5+ hours to get shiny on my face, which is really good! 

3. Set your foundation with a translucent (or natural color) powder. I used Laura Mercier's Translucent loose powder and it worked so well. Really great product, but a little on the pricey side.

4. Apply a light & pretty blush to give you a little flush. Take Benefit's Hervana to the apples of your cheeks, but don't use too much!

5. Before applying eyeshadow be sure to use a primer. Do not forget this or your eyeshadow will crease and it'll look like a mess! Urban Decay Primer Potions are the best. My eye makeup still looks perfect at the end of the day whenever I use this. 

6. To get the most natural eye look I used Urban Decay's Naked Basics palette. I put W.O.S. all over the lid, Naked 2 in the crease, a very small amount of Faint in the outer crease and Foxy with a bit of Venus as a brow highlight. 

7. Apply a thin line of eyeliner on your upper lash line and flick it out to get a slight wing. Don't go overboard on this step because you really don't want too much. I tried out Essence's Super Fine Eyeliner Pen because it's incredibly thin & I really liked it! And it's $2.99 from Ulta! 

8. Top it off with your favorite mascara! Today I used Bare Minerals Lash Domination, but I did not like it at all... Review coming soon. 

9. Finally, apply a little bit of lip product. I chose one of my favorite Baby Lips in Peach Kiss. Its really neutral with a slight bit of shimmer and shine. You could go for a light pink if you wanted something a little more fun. 

Voila! You'll be ready and feelin' beautiful for your interview! Go get em'!



Good luck!

--Ms. Makeup

Pros of coming home from college- getting to sneak into your sisters room and try out all her makeup. All the products I used today are from her makeup collection, so thanks girl (hehe!)


Sunday, November 17, 2013

Must Have: Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque



To me, this is the greatest hair product on the planet. I have gone through three or four full size tubs and I've never looked back! If your hair is feeling dull, if your highlights are drying out your hair, or you just want a really good deep conditioner, this is for you! Macadamia Oil is really great for your hair because it heals, nourishes and rejuvenates. This brand uses Argan Oil and Tea Tree Oil as well. Read on to see a full review ---->






1. Scent. AMAZING. It's really earthy, yet very sweet, kind of fruity. It has a very rich scent and it definitely lingers on your hair, which is something I look for. I cant exactly pin point the notes, but take my word for it, it smells like heaven. If it came in a perfume or candle, I would buy it.

2. Feel. I have tried many, many hair products over the years, but this mask is unlike any other. It makes my hair softer than anything. It has a thick consistency, which I love, yet you don't need a ton of this. A little bit goes a long way because it really spreads throughout your hair. I have pretty frizzy hair, and when I use this, the frizz is mostly gone and it makes each strand incredibly smooth. If you consistently use this, it will transform the texture of your hair to be smooth and silky!

3. Usage. I like to use this once a week and leave it in for about 10 minutes from my ears down. I have also left this in for hours with saran wrap over it after a bad hair dying job and it made my hair feel so much better. I have also used this as a daily conditioner because I have very course and thick hair (you only need a tiiiiiny bit!) I would not recommend doing that if you have thin or fine hair because it might be too powerful. I always brush out my hair right before I wash out the product to make sure it was evenly distributed.

4. Packaging. Adorable! It reminds me of a little coconut. It has a brown hawaiian/floral pattern with green accents. It also has a matte finish which is a nice touch.

5. Price. This product is more on the pricey side. The full size tub (8.5oz) is $36. But if you try it, you'll know it's worth it! They do sell single 1oz packages for those who want to get a few uses out and see if you like it ($4.) I have found it on amazon for $5-10 cheaper. The 8.5oz usually lasts me about 5-6 months.

From this line I have also used the shampoo, conditioner, healing oil treatment, healing oil spray, and nourishing leave in cream. All equally as amazing as the next! I am really interested in trying the new dry shampoo, but it is a little pricey for the size of the can. I am also dying to try this --- CLICK ME!

Have you tried this miracle product? Here is the website to learn more Macadamia.

--Ms. Makeup

If you're curious, here is what a macadamia nut looks like!
macadamiahair.com


Saturday, November 16, 2013

Naked 3 Palette

THIS MUST BE A DREAM. Urban Decay is coming out with the NAKED3 PALETTE! Being the proud owner of both the Naked and Naked2 Palettes, I have to add Naked3 to the family. I mean she can't be left out, right?

Like the other palettes, this one comes with 12 shades. Yet, unlike the first and second palettes, this one is filled with way more peachy/rose tones. Still all neutral like the pervious palettes. Most of the shadows seem to be shimmery but there are 2 mattes. And supposedly all of the shades are new! All of them look seeeriously gorgeous and to me, Urban Decay is one of the best. Don't think that this is palette is just like the first two because it's not! The first palette has a different tone than the second and same with the third.

This one retails for $52 which yes, seems like a lot, but you're getting 12 shades and a double sided shadow brush. That comes out to about $4 per shadow, not including the brush. If you are a beginner with eye makeup, then any of these palettes would be perfect for you! You can create so many different looks and each shade is extremely pigmented and soft. I highly recommend!

This lucky lady got her hands on it so here is a link to her blog with swatches! Shoutout to xsparkage!


The packaging seems to be the same tin/plastic snap closure as the second palette


Be sure to sign up for emails here so you can be notified when the palette is released! 

--Ms. Makeup

Friday, November 15, 2013

Wanted: Chanel Makeup!

I was just browsing Chanel's makeup site and I WANT EVERYTHING. Partially because of the packaging, but also because they're top of the line. I have only tried their Vitalumiere Aqua foundation, which is great, but that is it. I hear nothing but good things about Chanel! There are two items I am dying to try from them.

First, the Les Tissages De Chanel blush in Tweed Brun Rose. It has a woven, tweed print on the powder! How cool!? This blush looks like it would give you that natural glow with a slight bit of shimmer. It's a peachy pink/coral/brown color and it looks so pretty! Really unique. This retails for $45.


Next, I am obsessed with the Ombres Metaleassees eyeshadow palette. It comes with 5 shades that look soooo beautiful. A light beige color, three shades of darker brown and a really dark, vampy purple. The purple would look sweet as an eyeliner. Some seem to be matte and some are shimmery. And they have the quilted print on them! This is limited edition so if I lose my mind and decide to spend $80 on an eyeshadow palette, I'll let you guys know..


But overall, the packaging is seriously to die for! Its all shiny and black with the simple CC logo on it. What more could you want?! And can we just take a moment to view their $34 eyelash curler....






Have you tried any of these products?

--Ms. Makeup

Thursday, November 14, 2013

How To: Inexpensively Clean Makeup Brushes

If you are as addicted to makeup as I am, then cleaning your brushes is essential. The pre-made brush cleaners are often expensive, so I have a cheap alternative: Johnson's No More Tears Regular Baby Shampoo. I used to use the Sonia Kashuk one (Target, $6.99) and honestly, I think the Johnson's works better. It's about $2.99 from Target. Can't beat it! Because this shampoo is for babies, it is extremely gentile, even enough for your precious brushes. Plus, it has a great, clean scent!

To clean, all you need to do is place your brush under warm running water (bristles down so that water doesn't get into the brush handle) and get the brush completely wet. Place a small amount of Johnson's into your palm and swish the brush around until most of the brown/pink comes out. Wash off the soap and repeat this process until the soap comes out white and clean with no color. Gently squeeze out the water and place the brushes flat on a towel to dry overnight. Simple as that!

If you have a lot of brushes this can be time consuming, especially for large, dense face brushes. It can sometimes take up to three washes. But it's worth it! Dirty brushes hold bacteria and germs that you do NOT want to spread around on your face. I recommend washing your foundation brushes a few times a week and all other brushes maybe once every 1-2 weeks, realistically. Who is really going to take hours a week cleaning their brushes?? For spot treatment, I know this isn't the most effective thing, but I just wipe my brushes off on a clean tissue. Not the best, but it gets some of the powder off!

Be sure to try this out!

--Ms. Makeup

(Will upload before/after pics later!)

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Review: Simple Oil Balancing Cleansing Wipes

Today I have a review on my new favorite makeup remover wipes-- Simple Oil Balancing Cleansing Wipes. Love! Simple is a great drugstore line because they use ingredients that are good for your skin. No alcohol, no artificial perfume or dyes, they're dermatologist tested, non-comedogenic, and
hypoallergenic! There are a few different types in the Simple line, but these ones are for oily, sensitive skin (me.) I am obsessed with these things. I get excited to take my makeup off at night just because I know I get to use these wipes! They are unlike any makeup remover wipes I have previously used because they leave my skin incredibly soft! Literally feels like I just put on moisturizer! They're not greasy, gentile on the eyes and all over the face. The classic Neutrogena ones (which I usually use) always leave my skin feeling weird, sort of a film feeling over my face. They get the job done, but not great. These ones however, remove my makeup just as well and my face feels great after! I use these at night before washing my face, but the packaging says that they control shine as well. So, I would definitely use these during the day when I am not wearing makeup and my skin feels like it needs a little pick-me-up. I got them from Ulta for $5.99 and they come in a pack with 25 wipes. I think these are going to be my new holy grail item. I think they might be improving my skin, too!

Please do yourself a favor by trying these out and let me know what you think!

--Ms. Makeup

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Tip Tuesday: Mascara


Try this tip to get the best look out of your mascara! It's like prep for the actual product. Take an old tube of mascara that you loved (in particular the wand) and clean it up with makeup remover. Let it dry before use. Take your clean mascara wand and brush through your lashes prior to applying a coat of your actual mascara. This trick helps to brush out and separate your lashes and makes for a smoother application! And it'll cost you nothing but an old tube!


Try it out and let me know what you think!

--Ms. Makeup

(I am using Covergirl's Clump Crusher.)

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Beware! Silicone Based Hair Products



I was recently watching a video on the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deeeeep Conditioner containing wax. This intrigued me, so I looked into it and I found out what the wax really was...

Have you heard of silicone? Well, it's a cheap filler that companies put into hair products, like conditioner, to make the hair seem shiny, soft, healthy and smooth when it really doesn't do anything of the sort. The product coats your hair in silicone, giving off the soft feeling, but in actuality it's choking your precious strands! This compound also leads to build up, which is no fun.

Think about it, when you buy a cheap shampoo/conditioner from the drugstore, what happens? You use it for a while and it works pretty well, gets the job done, but suddenly you get the feeling that the product isn't doing anything anymore. I used to say my hair was just used to the product, but now I know that it's covered in silicone!

When your hair is covered in this slime, any product you put in your hair after your shower will basically do nothing. It will go on top of the silicone and just sit there (even more build up...) And the only way to get it out of your hair is to use a clarifying shampoo (most silicones are not water soluble.) The only one I've ever tried is the Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo. Now, when you first use this, don't be turned off! It makes your hair feel pretty weird, but that's because it strips off all the gross product buildup from months of use.

I am not saying that silicone is the worst thing in the world for your hair, because everyone uses these products, but it's really doing your hair no good. So, try to find products that don't contain the word "cone" "one" "col" "conol" "xane" in the ingredients list. I'll be honest, it's sometimes really hard. Go for the most natural product you can find with the least ingredients or a brand that is known for being natural based. Water soluble silicones (will wash out since they're water based) that are okay to use are titled "behenoxy dimethicone" and "stearoxy dimethicone" in the ingredients list.

If possible, try and avoid these shampoo/conditioner brands: Herbal Essence, Pantene (the worst,) Garnier Fructis, TRESemme, Suave, etc. Look for silicone free, but be sure to look at the ingredients because they'll trick ya with those long words! Your hair will thank you!







It is with much sadness that I have to admit that my favorite hair product in the world contains this horrible ingredient... MACADAMIA NATURAL OIL DEEP REPAIR MASK. Now... I do know for a fact that it also contains really great ingredients like Macadamia oil, Argan oil and Tea Tree Leaf oil, so this one's a toss up. (We all know I am still going to purchase, shhhh...)

What do you think about silicones? Will you ditch them or keep buying?

-- Ms. Makeup



Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Favorites: October

I am going to start doing monthly favorites posts, so let's start it off with October!

My first favorite comes from Benefit Cosmetics, my favorite makeup brand. It's the Sizzlin' Six set ($27, Ulta.) I love everything in this. I was originally going to buy the Porefessional primer and Benetint, but then I found this! The kit comes with all the classic Benefit items: Bad Gal Lash, Dandelion Blush & Gloss, Porefessional, Benetint, and Girl Meets Pearl Highlight. All of these products are great and worth the money! If you've never tried anything from Benefit then I would suggest this set. I've been using Dandelion everyday- soo pretty!

My next fav is the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness foundation. This stuff is greaaaattt. I've been using it every day I have worn makeup for the past 2 weeks or so and it always looks really good. It's super natural but covers incredibly! Here is a link to the post I made solely to this product: IT

Maybelline DreamLumi Concealer has saved my life this month. My skin has been really bad recently and this stuff covers every blemish right up. It's really really creamy and smooth, the perfect consistency! Also really inexpensive. This is a must have from the drugstore!

I bought my first product from NuMe in September. I got the Classic curling wand and flat iron for $69!!! Together they retail for almost $400, soo I scored hard core. The straightener is good, but the wand is GREAT. It's clip-less so it makes it really easy to curl your hair and I'm just obsessed with it! YouTubers always have amazing coupon codes for all NuMe products, especially itsbl0ndie (Casey Homes). Here is her channel.

My final makeup favorite is doing a simple eye. I have been really into curling my lashes, doing a winged liner and adding some mascara. It's quick and easy and always a go to. I've also been liking pencil liner, surprisingly. I'm usually just a pen liner girl, but not this month! Free tip: it helps to put black shadow over the line with a really thin pencil brush.

Music favorite! JOHN LEGEND. My roommate and I are going to his concert this Sunday and I cannot wait. His voice is smooth as silk, one of the most beautiful voices I have heard in a long time. My two favorite songs by him are currently All Of Me and Made To Love. Another music favorite is Spotify. I've had it for about a month now and I am completely addicted. I will rarely buy a song from iTunes now because Spotify allows you to listen to whatever you want as long as you are connected to the internet- genius!

That's it for my favorites! What have you been loving this past month?

-- Ms. Makeup