NEW!! Lancome Grandiose Mascara Review #startbending

Hello Beauties :) today I am super excited to be bringing a review on the NEW Lancome Grandiose Mascara. I had been waiting for this mascara to launch on the Sephora Website and as soon as it did I had to order it. I usually LOVE Lancome mascaras and with them calling themselves "the #1 MASCARA EXPERT" I just knew I'd once again fall under spell with this new mascara.

Lancome's  Description

Benefits

Only mascara focused on 3 aspects: Wand+ Brush+ Formula (most only address brush and formula).
Patended swan-neck wand allows you to reach every lash from corner to corner, working with the contours of the face and eye Elastomer molded brush in monoi flower shape allows for maximum and even deposit of the formula, even the smallest lashes are coated.
Formula is ultra black glossy, quick drying and is the only formula with rose-cell extract so lashes remain soft and supple.
Formula contains less waxes for intense color with no smudging or flaking through the day.

First Impression 

When I first seen the promo for the Grandiose Mascara on social media with the #startbending and the picture of the wand, I thought, "I NEED THIS!". I was so intrigued by this never before seen concept and couldn't wait to find out if it was genius or just another sales gimmick. As soon as it became available I purchased it.

The packaging on its own pulled me in. It is beautiful and looks fancy. I will admit I am a total sucker for packaging, but packaging aside the inside is what's phenomenal. The swan-neck is supposed to allow for you to reach even the tiniest of lashes. The bristles on the brush are very different from other mascaras, they are plastic and hard, more spaced out than Benefits They're Real Mascara and definitely not as flexible.

Application

Another unique thing is that this mascara has its own application method. Now if you really wanted to you could apply it how ever you want, but I do find that the way they suggest you apply this mascara gives me the best results. Online I found this really cool sketch that details a step by step to
"Making Mascara Application Effortless"

Pictures

No Mascara

 Lancome Grandiose on the lashes

Right Eye Before and After

Eyes Closed Before and After

My Experience

I have been using the Grandiose Mascara for about three weeks now and I sort of have a Love/Like relationship with this product. Now the concept is genius. I love the wand! I love the bristles for the most part. It does live up to its claims of reaching even the shortest of lashes. The only real complain I have is that I have to clean a bit of excess product on the back of my clean hand before applying. If I go directly in with the wand and apply right out the tube there is too much product on the bristles and it can lead to not achieving that fanned out effect that we are all looking for. The formula is a more "wet consistency" and I usually tend to favor mascara with a wetter formula but in this case I kind of think I will further fall in love with the formula as it dries out. Now with all of that being said... Once I clean a bit of product off the brush on the back of my clean hand and go to apply the result is always AMAZING! The lashes are fully coated from root to tip. MY LASHES are DARKER, LONGER, FULLER, AND FANNED OUT! I usually don't curl my lashes on the daily, but I have done it a couple of times for testing purposes and it also holds a curl. No problems with flaking or smudging.

Price $32 for .35oz

Overall Rating

My overall thoughts on this product are that if you don't mind splurging the $32 on a mascara, You should totally try it. It is a definite must for me, and I will definitely be repurchasing until the next best mascara crosses my path LOL ;). I am giving it a rating of 8/10 only because I am hoping that they fix the issue with too much mascara being dispensed, because I personally don't like waisting expensive product on the back of my hand, but foor now this will have to do. I absolutely recommend this mascara and think that it is a phenomenal product that everyone should experience. Let me also add in here that it has replaced my much loved Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, which is also makeup junkie favorite.

So that completes the review for today.

Until Next Time... Have an Amazing Day!

Available Sephora & Lancome USA

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light:Review

Hello beautiful dolls :)  today I am bringing you a review on the Smashbox Photo Finish Light Foundation Primer. Lets get right into it... A little background on my skin, I have combination skin that is acne-prone and sensitive.  I decided to give this primer a try because it was geared towards someone with my skin type.

Product description:

A water-based, lightweight foundation primer. Perfect for oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin, this oil-free, 60 percent water-based primer refreshes on contact while oil absorbers provide a smooth, matte finish all day. Light diffusers minimize the appearance of imperfections while vitamin C and peptides help even skin tone and promote collagen production for a flawless future.

This primer is formulated paraben free and fragrance free. 

My Experience:

I have been using this primer for about 3 months. The formula is more like a thin lotion and is white in color. It is very light and feels very hydrating on the skin which is lovely. It is mattifying and helps keep my oils at bay. There were no break outs or irritation to the skin while using. I  noticed that it slightly diffused the look of my pores but nothing too crazy. I didn't notice any improvement  in my skin tone but I also didn't use it every single day. My foundation does go on smoother and I noticed the primer prevented my foundation from adhering to any dry areas.

Swatch

Price: 0.50 oz for $15 / 1oz for $36

Overall Rating:

My overall thoughts on this product are that it is a decent primer however I didn't fall in love with it. I have now used it up and while it did serve its purpose it was just missing that WOW factor for me. I personally give the Smashbox Photo Finish Light Foundation Primer a 7/10. My biggest complain is that it didn't really do much for me when it came to my pores. It felt light on the face and I would definitely recommend this primer for someone who has dry/combination skin because I did enjoy that it was refreshing and hydrating while providing a matte finish. Overall I've decided I won't be repurchasing and will continue my search for that perfect foundation primer :) 

So that completes the review for today.

Until Next Time... Have an Amazing Day!

Available: Sephora Website

Beauty Blender Pro vs. Essence of Beauty Precision Blender Sponge

VS. 

Hello Infatuated Beauties :)  finally the day is here to do a product throw down between the Beauty Blender Pro and the Essence of Beauty Precision Blender Sponge. In November when I reviewed the Precision Blender sponge I promised that I would purchase the Beauty Blender so that I could review it and see if it really lives up to the hype. Now that I have used the Beauty Blender Pro for around 4 months I can give my unbiased opinion. If you haven't checked out my review on the Precision Blender Sponge check in out.

Beauty Blenders have been raved about raved about for the last two years by every makeup guru on Youtube or Instagram, and according to most purchasing this makeup sponge is a great investment whether you are using it for personal use or you're makeup kit. Due to the Beauty Blenders making such hype many brands have made their own version. I couldn't bring myself to spend the $20 a sponge, but in November when I received the my 20% off coupon from Sephora I decided I would give in an try it.

How are they similar?

• both makeup sponges can be used to apply cream, liquid, or powder
• they are best when used damp
• When wet they both grow in size
• Latex Free
• Leave a Flawless Finish to the skin

How are they different?

• Sponge Shape
• Softness and texture of the sponge
• Beauty Precision Blender is vitamin E infused
• Color (the original beauty blender also comes in pink)
• less staining due to the pro beauty blender being black

Beauty Blender Dry (left) Wet  (right)

Precision Blender Sponge Wet (left) Dry (right)

Both Sponges Wet

Summary...

In my previous post about the beauty blender dupe I raved about how amazed I was with it and had found it to be awesome. It was a spectacular addition to my makeup routine. The size, shape, and texture of the sponge are great, but most importantly the reason I was so stoked was the price at $4.99 a sponge and found at CVS it just couldn't be beat. The Precision Blender Sponge lasts about 2 months depending on how well they are taken care of.

The Beauty Blender Pro

Now that I have been using the beauty blender for about 4-5 months I must admit I have fallen IN LOVE with it. I love the shape, the size but what I love the most about it is the feel and manageability. The beauty blender is just much softer. It is also a better tool in my experience for foundation. I don't actually use either sponge for foundation because I prefer my brush, but in all honesty the shape of the beauty blender is more adequate. I loved the beauty blender so much that even with it being $19.95 a sponge or the duo for $28.95 ($39.90 value) I have repurchased back ups with my Sephora Spring Event VIB 15% off coupon. I have been using my beauty blenders for about 4-5 months and they are still running strong lol ;).

The Verdict 

The Beauty Blender Pro is the WINNER! I give this product a 10/10 hands down. I am not the kind of beauty junkie who likes to splurge if I can find a great product for a lesser price I will use it, but after first being in love with the Essence of Beauty Precision Blender Sponge and now actually trying the beauty blender and comparing I choose the Beauty Blender Pro! The raving in this case is RIGHT. I still recommend the Essence of Beauty Precision Blender Sponge for anyone who's looking for a comparable product but doesn't want to spend the extra money. I still consider it an awesome dude and I love the fact that you find it at the drugstore (CVS).

Available:

At Sephora Pro Beauty Blender duo 

At CVS Essence of Beauty Precision Blender Sponge