Reviews on Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes and Covergirl Bombshell Volume mascaras

         

My lashes suck. I'm sure lots of women think that, but in my case, girl I ain't lyin. Theyre super thin, light(my natural hair is a dark dirty blonde) and they dont have even the slightest curl. So effin depressing. Hence where my addiction to false lashes began, literally can't leave the house without them, it's absurd. But on the days I don't feel like wearing a full face, falsies are just out of the question. I've tried EVERY mascara you can imagine, Too Faced Lash Injection(thumbs down), Benefit They're Real(meh), Every drug store brand in America, nothing gives me the look I'm going for. I want volume, length, and not something thats going to look like tarantula legs or Tammy Faye Baker.

     

I've heard wonderful things about Tarte's Lights, Camera, Flashes mascara, the packaging is adorable but its about $4 more expensive than Lights, Camera, Lashes. I did a little(a lot) of research on it, like I do with every product I consider buying and I saw a video from Tarte on youtube. They were claiming 752% increase in volume. How do you even measure that? I had a store credit to Sephora so I decided to give it a shot. I got it home & immediately popped into my vanity chair, and ripped open the box. This mascara is so cute, gold snakeskin mascara tube? Yes please. In the video, she said to use the shorter side of the brush first, to deposit the mascara. Then use the longer, hard side to lengthen and seperate. The wand is shaped like a square so theres not just one short or long side. I started applying & the first coat goes on beautifully, not too thick and goopy. I have SUPER sensitive eyes, some mascaras burn or sting, this one doesnt hurt whatsoever. The second coat however, things can get pretty out of hand. My lashes got super thick, not too long. But if I continue brushing, they start to clump. They are noticeably thicker, but they're stuck together, soooo thats probably why. 

                           

       

                                                                   "short" side 

       

                                                                       "long" side

I'm sure going through them with a lash comb would help! Once dry, it doesn't transfer or flake. This definitely is a "statement" mascara. I wouldn't wear this for a natural or daytime look, this is totally a night out mascara! I do like it though, the difference is amazing so it definitely lives up to the hype.

       

       

Next up, is the Covergirl Bombshell Volume by Lashblast. It comes in a pretty big tube, which was off putting at first. It looks bulky and difficult to handle, but after trying it out, its actually pretty easy to maneuver. To apply, use the side marked "1" to volumize. It says to load on, so thats just what I did!! I applied 3 layers, and surprisingly enough, there was very little clumping. My lashes stayed seperated and there was an instant, noticeable difference. My lashes looked thick and long, even kinda curled! I was super impressed, for half the cost of the Tarte mascara, I was getting similar if not better results. The next step is applying the "2" side of the tube. The "1" brush is a plastic, thick comb like wand, while "2" is more of the classic, brush style wand. Step 2 "seals" the lashes for an extra black, dark all day finish. This is some of the blackest mascara I've used! I thought the second step would cause my lashes to clump, feel sticky like some of those mascaras that never dry or flake. I rubbed my eyes to test it out. No flakes, my lashes didnt wad up together and this stuff does not budge. It would be perfect for bridal makeup because the intensity of the black would show up great on camera, last all day and you can cry, this stuff isnt moving. The ONLY bad thing I can say about it is, it does. not. come. off. Man. I used Almay longwear & waterproof mascara pads, I'd have to rub super hard to get it off which I don't like to do to my eyes!! I've made it to 30 without destroying my undereye, ain't starting now. I tried Lush 9 to 5 cleansing lotion, I have to do it twice but it helps! And I have to use Fresh Farmacy face soap after to get it completely off. So the staying power is something serious. They actually say on the package that you can remove it with the covergirl brand eyemakeup remover though so maybe I'll try it! 

                         

So all in all, these are 2 pretty decent masacaras. For the price, I'd have to go with the Bombshell. it works great, and does what it says it will. So drugstore brand wins this fight in my book!!

BECCA Ultimate Coverage Complexion Creme Review

 

 

                        

The other day while surfing youtube, I saw BECCA cosmetics uploaded a video on their Ultimate Coverage Complexion Creme. At first I thought it was a CC cream because of the name, but I later realized it was a full coverage foundation. I am all for full coverage, my skin is a little red and uneven so I love full coverage so I dont have to go in with loads of concealer. This foundation has super weightless feel to it which surprised me. Most full coverage foundations can feel heavy and cakey, but this is extremely light and breathable. Its formulated with 21% pigment and 22% water, most foundations only contain 5 to 10% water and 10 to 15% pigment! Its paraben, sulfate and phthalate free so its free of harmful gunk that can damage your skin and body. Its said to completely conceal imperfections, redness, hyperpigmentation and uneven texture. I say it depends on the means of which your putting it on. I use a damp beauty blender and it gives great, even coverage. I tried it with the BECCA One Perfecting Brush and while it did look airbrushed, it was pretty sheer. I had to build it up. And I tried it with a flat top kabuki brush(sigma F80) and it looked a little cakey. I had to blot with my beauty blender to even it out. I chose the color Nude, which actually may be a shade too dark for me, so for now I mix it with my Nars Sheer Matte foundation in Punjab and that seems to lighten it up a bit. Im going to keep the color and wear this during the warmer months when I dont look like the living dead. It says its supposed to be water and transfer resistant, Im sure thats when its worn alone. With powder over it, it can brush off on coat collars and tissue(Ive had the sniffles for a couple of days). I do have oily skin and tend to get shiny throughout the day, I can get 4 hours of wear and then I have to touch up my nose and tzone. But it never cracks or slides off my face which I love, nothing is worse than when your foundation splotches from putting on powder. I love having a super matte, porcelain face!!! But with the high concentration of water, I think it can be more of a dewy finish. Overall I'd say this is a great foundation, very lightweight, coverage is amazing, and its quite large for the price! Same amount as the Nars Sheer foundation, but about $10 less. This foundation is comparable to the Kat Von D lock it tattoo, but it is much lighter and more blendable. Sephora is the only retailer that sells BECCA so far, so thats where you can find this little gem!! 

My Absense

Hello my lovelies!!! Whether one or 100 of you read this, I felt compelled to explain why I've been gone a couple weeks! I was working for MAC, for a few months freelancing, and just never felt quite comfortable being pigeonhold in one brand. While MAC is a prestigious brand, I love ALL brands. When someone would ask, "What do you have on your brows?", I'd have to respond with a lie. I couldn't tell them how OBSESSED I was with Anastasia Dip Brow and Brow Wiz, or how I was wearing Kat Von D Lock It Tattoo Foundation. So I had to follow my heart. Hubs and I want to move to Providence in the spring, and while I wanted to wait to apply, I thought maybe I shouldn't wait, an opportunity could be present now. So I went on Instagram and asked a couple girls what their opinion was on working at Sephora. I LOVE Sephora. I'm a VIB Rouge, I'm there like twice a week. I love the diversity in products, the return policy is amazing, the staff is so warm and funny. I have heard nothing but wonderful things about working here, the education is amazing, training is very in depth, gratis, close knit teams. All which wasnt a part of MAC, I received zero training and was praying for a 15 hour permanent spot along with 4 other freelancers. I applied at Sephora in Evergreen and Westfarms and hadnt heard back. I called and they weren't neccessarily hiring, just accepting apps. So I looked for other sephora's in CT, and the GORGEOUS store at The Shoppes at Farmington Valley popped up. They were hiring for all positions! I promptly filled out an online app for Cashier and Beauty Advisor and I got a call yesterday for an interview today. I was asked a few questions about availability, experience and was asked if I could attend an interview at 3 on Friday(today). I had to gather up a small portfolio and my resume. I immediately printed up some pics of makeup Ive done recently and put together a nice little portfolio. I was so excited!! So today I got ready, Smokey eye(Vice 2 palette), flawless face(NARS sheer matte and BECCA U.C.C.C.), Dip brow brows, Urban Decay lips, I was so excited to use my actual collection of makeup, not just my MAC stuff!!! I dressed in all black(she didnt ask us to, but I figured I'd look the part!). I had a group interview with another girl, Rebecca, so sweet, she was auditioning for skin care so neither of us felt threatened and very at ease. Tammy was such a sweet, funny and genuine woman! You can tell she really loves her store and staff. The interview was about 45 minutes, she told us all about the education, advancing in the company, promos, and it all sounded amazing!!! I dont have to bust my butt for a year to get hired permanently?! I get a brush belt of my own?! And a discount?! AND GRATIS?! I'm in! So after the interview, she invited us back for a demo in a week in a half(after she returns from boston for training). I'm so excited and I PRAY I get this. I can truly see myself learning and growing with Sephora and making it a lifelong career. Wish me luck!!!

Review of the BECCA One Perfecting Brush

                               

So I was debating purchasing this brush, I was always a little intimidated by it and figured I have so many brushes why would I need another? But it always interested me, a brush that could replace and do the job of 10 others?? I dunnoooooo..... And for $49 it would really have to blow my mind. That's like TWO Sigma brushes! Being unable to control myself in Sephora, I gave in and decided to give it a whirl, I could always return it if I didn't like it(thanks in part to Sephora's amazing return policy & customer service!). I had already applied makeup that day so I decided I would wait until the next day to play with it. I watched the Becca YouTube tutorial on it & was so excited! The next day I sat down at my vanity to do my makeup, my first impression of the brush was that it is so. freakin. soft. 

                                      

Holy moly, I have goat hair brushes that are soft, but this little guy takes the cake. It says you can switch from cream to powder without having to wipe or wash it, so I figured I'd put it to the test. 

                                      

I applied a small amount of Hourglass Veil primer to the back of my hand and following instructions, I buffed the product into the brush using back & forth motions. I swiped it across my left cheek and to my surprise, the brush didn't pull my skin like some other foundation brushes do. It applied the primer evenly to my entire face & I didn't have to go back and get more product. 

                                     

I've tested this brush with 3 different foundations(not all at once!), I used a more sheer silky foundation(Nars sheer matte in Punjab), a medium to full coverage(MAC match master in 2.0) and a thick, full coverage foundation(Kat Von D lock it tattoo foundation in medium 53). When I applied the Nars foundation, it did apply nicely, but very sheer, I get better coverage with my beauty blender or fingers but I think it just may be the foundation. Using the mathmaster was a breeze, this brush has my entire face covered in about a minute. So easy and the coverage was perfect, especially for days when I feel like wearing minimal makeup and need a quick application. The great thing about this brush is that it doesn't absorb the product INTO the brush, it almost floats on top so that it's distributed evenly and looks flawless!! The Kat Von d foundation can be tricky to blend, it's very thick but when used in moderation looks amazing, especially on camera. This brush makes my sigma F80 useless! I tend to get brush stroke lines sometimes with my F80, but this brush made me look so airbrushed and blurred my pores. LOVE it.

                                      

 Next on the list was concealer, I used my prolongwear in NW20 & applied in the usual spots(under eye, around my nose), but I must say this brush is a little tough to blend concealer with. I've got a small face, deep set eyes and it was tough to get in under my eyes. I had to bust out my beauty blender! 

                          

Powder was easy peasey, I was done in a flash. Contouring with powders was a little tough, it got the job done but the size of the brush made it a little hard to get my desired amount of product onto the brush. It worked great for bronzer & highlighter, I usually apply bronzer to my neck since my face/neck are a shade lighter then the rest of me! Overall, this brush works beautifully for applying foundation, powder and blending out contours/highlights. As for replacing/functioning 10 brushes, I'd say it replaced 3 for me! If you're serious about makeup, this brush is great. If you don't wear it that often or are still learning, I'd wait until you got the hang of using other brushes and invest in this little gem. I may get one for my makeup kit too!

You've asked and here it is! My holy grail skin are products!

Skincare!! Besides being insanely important, it creates a perfect canvas for the beautiful art you will create later on.  I've recently been turned onto Lush cosmetics and Josie Maran oils. I have wacky skin, super sensitive, red, combination skin. I was always hesitant about going to Lush because girl it ain't cheap! But jeez, is it worth it. A few things I can't live without are:

FRESH FARMACY

FACE SOAP

Its made with Chamomile, Lavender, Tea Tree and Calamine to soothe problem skin.
($9.95 lushusa.com)

OCEAN SALT SCRUB

I can't say enough awesome stuff about this product! It makes my skin feel soooo soft and energized. It's made with grapefruit, coconut, avocado, lime extract and vodka! It's basically a tropical drink for your skin. And it smells like a margarita. It's a little pricey but a little goes a long way, I use a fingertip full for my face & a finger full for my shoulders and back. 

($21.95-$35.95 for 8.8oz. Lushusa.com)

TEA TREE WATER TONER

This spray is so convenient, no hunting down cotton balls!! It's packed with grapefruit, juniper berries and of course tea tree to help combat oil and redness. I use it before I apply my makeup and after I wash my face. Love.

($9.95-$21.95)

Some other things I LOVE are:

-FAB Ultra Repair Cream: Amazing hydration, great for super dry skin and eczema. I got a sample of this at Sephora and loved it so much I got the full size! $28.00 for a huge tub of moisturizer.

-Josie Maran Argan Oil: I got a holiday set at Sephora, which came with a cleansing oil, Argan oil, whipped body oil, intensive hand cream, a regular hand lotion and hair oil. I lovvvve her products, I love the smell and it absorbs so nicely, no grease. 

-Lush Cosmetics "Honey Trap" lip balm