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

Essence of Beauty: Precision Blender Sponge

Hello beauties so today I'm going to be doing a short and simple review on the Essence of Beauty: Precision Blender Sponge. I have been using this product for quite some time and let me just say I love it. The Precision Blender Sponge has met my needs at a fraction of the price of the popular and very well known Beauty Blender. I have not tried the original beauty blender, because I personally didn't want to spend $20.00 on a tool I'd end up quickly disposing of.

So what is it?

The Precision Blender Sponge is a pink small soft sponge that is best used damp. It is great with cream and liquid products and even powders. When run through water it grows and softens to the touch. Since the sponge is dampened before application it doesn't absorb as much product the way a traditional sponge does.

What do I think about the product?

I love this little pink sponge and I use it in my daily make up routine. I use it to blend out my under eye MAC Pro Longwear Concealer, and to set with my Ben Nye Banana Powder. The shape and size of the sponge makes it perfect for under the eyes and it blends seamlessly. 

So of course I absolutely love that the Blender Sponge is amazing at blending and seamless application but what makes this a  5 Star product? The fact that each sponge is ONLY $4.99 at your local CVS.

Price: $4.99

Available: CVS Pharmacy

Overall Rating

I love it! I couldn't complete my routine without the precision blender sponge I give it 10/10. The quality is amazing,the shape, the price is amazing, and I absolutely recommend this product over any other beauty blender dupe in the drugstore.

P.S.

I haven't purchased the original Beauty Blender before but I did get my Sephora 20% VIB exclusive savings for the holidays and I will be purchasing the Beauty Blender with 20% off and after trying it out I will do a
Beauty Blender VS. Precision Blender Sponge post.

NEW!! NARS♥LA Set: Makeup Of The Day/ Review

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URBAN DECAY Revolution Lipstick SHAME:Quick Review

Ladies today I will be quickly reviewing the UD Revolution Lipstick in SHAME.  I seen so many YouTube gurus and makeup artist raving on Instagram that I just had to see for myself if these lipsticks were worth all the noise they were making ;) . I purchased mine on the Sephora Website. 

UD Revolution Lipstick is described (on the box) as:

"CREAMY, BADASS LUXURY. Our Pigment Infusion System delivers insane color payoff with creamy shine, Maxi-Lip plumps and nourishing oils leave lips cushiony soft."

So after looking at reviews and pictures online of these lippies I decided to go with the color I found the most fall appropriate which in my opinion was SHAME a "deep berry".

Interesting Facts

"Urban Decay’s Pigment Dispersion System™ gives Revolution Lipstick its super creamy texture, intense pigmentation, superior color dispersion, and extended wear. Maxi-Lip™ defines and hydrates lips while making them look plumper and fuller. And a nourishing blend of jojoba oil, avocado oil, cocoa butter and Shea butter keeps lips super moisturized and cushiony soft."

It is formulated PARABENS, SULFATES AND PHTHALATES FREE.

Pictures of Product

SHAME-  Packaging 

SHAME  (natural lighting/ no flash)

SHAME (W/ Flash)

Pricing: 0.09 oz for $22

Over All Rating

So I do feel that when it comes to this product I might have a bit of a biased opinion because I am more of a matte lipstick kind of gal. The lipstick itself is GOOD. The pigmentation is superb specially taking into consideration that similar products that are as hydrating as this lipstick are very sheer. The color range is a bit limited (20 shades) but this is a fairly new product. So I tested this lipstick on its own no lip liner or primer it applied smoothly. It lasted on my lips for about 5 hours. Main problem I had with this lipstick it was a bit messy, it  feathered. So as I mentioned earlier, that is the reason that I said I am a little biased I usually gear towards mattes because they stay put and are very long wearing. I personally give this lipstick a 7/10. For $22 a piece I do feel that is a bit over priced but its simply because I didn't fall in love with the lipstick.
I do believe that this lipstick would work perfectly for those who love a moisturizing lipstick with superior color payoff.  It is formulated with a nourishing blend of jojoba oil, avocado oil, cocoa butter and Shea butter keeps lips super moisturized and cushiony soft. As for myself I might give other more forgiving shades like a neutral pink or nude a chance and see if I enjoy it better, ill keep you ladies posted :).
So that completes this review gals.

Until Next Time... Have An Amazing Day! 

Available: Sephora and Urban Decay

URBAN DECAY Chill Makeup Setting Spray: Review

Hey Beauties : D . So today I' m doing a review on the Urban Decay Chill Make up Setting Spray. What it is described as (on the box) :

Stop makeup meltdown. CHILL features cooling time-release Temperature Control Technology that actually chills the surface of your makeup - to keep it looking gorgeously just-applied for up to 12 hours. Perfect for drier or combination skin, CHILL mists on to keep makeup from smudging or setting into fine lines. The result? Vibrant makeup that LASTS and a glowing, dewy youthful complexion

 Directions: Shake Well. Apply. Hold the bottle "8-10" away and mist face 2-4 times, in an "X" and "T" formation. 
 IN A 7-DAY CLINICAL STUDY OF CHILL:

• Over 83% of participants said CHILL helped their makeup lasts for 12 hours without smudging or settling into fine lines.

• 94% said CHILL kept their makeup looking just-applied.

• 88% said their concealer, foundation, shadow, and blush lasted longer too!

Formulated:
OIL FREE. PARABEN FREE. TEMPERATURE CONTROL TECHNOLOGY. 

So does it do what it promises to do?  

I have been trying out the CHILL Makeup Setting Spray every time I do my makeup for the past 5 Weeks... & ladies I'm in Love! It most definitely prolongs the longevity of my makeup and works amazing on my combination skin. It keeps it looking fresh for 10+ hours I've never tested it for the full 12 Hrs it promises but 10-11 I have and my makeup looked great. I noticed it worked best with my Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H foundation which is already a great long lasting foundation as is, but it usually is gone in my nose area at the end of a long day, with a primer and all but not this time. No touch ups and was still perfect.\

It worked great on my MAC MATCHMASTER  foundation as well. It prolonged the longevity of the foundation and kept my face looking intact as if I had just finished applying it.

I also loved that if I happened to over powder it most definitely got rid of the powdery look.
Now it does say that it gives a dewy finish but the foundations I use and applied it over are both matte so once I applied, it didn't give me a dewy look, but more of a natural finish which I really enjoyed sometimes my face can look a little too matte when my foundation is freshly applied and the setting spray got rid of that.

There is one small con but its super tiny and it is the fact that the white bottle is made of a material that gets dirty easily... hint hint.. that is why I didn't post a picture of what my bottle currently looks like.

Pricing: 4.0  US fl oz for $29

Overall Rating:

I'm a big fan of the UD CHILL Makeup Setting Spray and I don't see myself trying any other setting spray for a long time. It is simply fantastic. Is it worth the splurge? YES! In my opinion it was. I give this setting spray a 10/10. I have actually tried the UD All Nighter Setting Spray before and I liked it but I really did love this one. It did everything that the back of the box said it would LOL ;). Prolonged the longevity of the makeup. Prevented any fading, smudging, moving of the makeup. Kept the face looking like the "beat down" was freshly done lol ;p. I also want to add that it does have a cooling "chill" effect when applied which can be very refreshing on a warm summer day.
 So that completes my post for today gals.

Until Next Time... Have an Amazing Day!

Available:
 Sephora or Urban Decay Website

M.A.C Indulge Collection (Fall 2013): Review

The M.A.C Indulge Collection (Fall 2013) launched August 2013 and being the M.A.C junkie that I am I had to jump right on that as soon as it launched online. The collection had a lot of pieces that were definitely worth purchasing and colour shades were definitely very fall appropriate.

The M.A.C Cosmetics website collection descriptions:

Fall Colour is a surreal feast for the senses, where no taste is too extravagant and no behaviour beyond limits. On the menu: Cremeblend Blush flushes skin with build able glow as Eye Shadow defines eyes for the ultimate in temptation, intensified by Fluidline. Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash darkens and lengthens lashes.

 Revel in a magnificent banquet of colour for lips and nails. Lipstick in deep plum, frosted beige and sheer, golden sparkle get layered with Lipglass, ranging from blackened berry to shimmering taupe. Lacquered nails for that opulent touch, rich in jewel tones and molten metallics.

 Feed the Senses lipstick
Divine Decadence, Deep Cravings, Beluga, Three Ring Yellow

I picked up a couple things I considered I would put to use often. I do tend to gear more towards neutrals so the lipstick and 3 of the eyeshadow shades are pretty neutral shades :) but i also picked up a punchy pop of color eyeshadow as well. (seen picture above)

M.A.C Indulge: Lip

• Feed the senses - Lustre lipstick- described as a "mid-tone mauvy nude" 

Feed the Senses

M.A.C Indulge Eye

• Divine Decadence -Veluxe- described as a "soft bronze"
• Deep Cravings -Veluxe Pearl- decribed as a "dark shimmery gray"
• Beluga -Veluxe- described as a "dark charcoal with multi-dimensional pearl"
• Three Ring Yellow -Veluxe Pearl- described as a " bright sulfer green yellow"

Divine Decadence

Deep Cravings

                                   

Beluga

Three Ring Yellow

Swatches

Feed the senses on the lips

Three Ring Yellow (tear duct)
Divine Decadence (lid)
Beluga (crease)
Deep Cravings (lower lashline)
Blanc Type (under brow)
Cork and Mystery (Crease transition)

Three Ring Yellow (tear duct)
Divine Decadence (lid)
Beluga (crease)
Deep Cravings (lower lashline)
Blanc Type (under brow)
Cork and Mystery (Crease transition)

Feed the Senses

Feed the Senses

Feed the Senses (no flash)

Feed the Senses (w/ flash)

Divine Decadence , Deep Cravings , Beluga , Three Ring Yellow (no flash)

Divine Decadence , Deep Cravings , Beluga , Three Ring Yellow (w/ flash)

The Indulge Collection had a variety of beautiful shades in lipsticks,lipglass,eye shadows, fluidline, and nail polishes. The shades of eyeshadow were all great quality. They swatch ed and applied beautifly. I did have to work a little more with Beluga in the crease so it wouldn't look patchy but it was pigmented. The other shades applied smoothly. The lipstick Feed the senses was a lustre so it was sheer but true to description a "mid tone mauvey nude" and very soft and beautiful it went perfect with the eye look. It didn't stay on longer than two hours for me so you definitely want to take it in your purse to re-apply.

Pricing:  

Eyeshadow 1.5g / 0.5 US oz - $15.00

Lipstick 3g / 0.1 oz - $15.00

Overall Rating

I really enjoyed the items I purchased. I could have done just fine with out the Feed the senses lipstick just because I own a lot of similar shades but I still give it a 7/10 the color is beautiful and its sheer but it doesn't have longevity so I had to re apply often. The eye shadows Divine Decadence , Deep Cravings , Three Ring Yellow get a 10/10. Application was flawless no fallout, smooth and true to pan color. Beluga was beautiful and very pigmented it just wasn't as smooth as the others when it came to blending in the crease I did have to keep making sure it wasn't patchy. I give it a 8/10. So definitely encourage my M.A.C junkies to swing by a MAC Counter and play with these fall beauties and indulge in this "extravagant and surreal" collection.
So that is all for today.

Until Next Time... Have An Amazing Day!

Available: M.A.C Cosmetics

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Sephora Makeup Brush Shampoo:Review

The Sephora Makeup Brush Shampoo is a product I picked up at Sephora around 6 months ago but I hadn't really used it until recently. On the back of the bottle it is described as:

"An anti-bacterial shampoo designed to deep clean your brushes once a week"

Sephora Makeup Brush Shampoo

I used the Sephora Makeup Brush Shampoo to wash the following (dirty) tools:

• Real Techniques Expert Face Brush 
• Sephora Airbrush Concealer #57
• 2 Essence of Beauty Precision Blender Sponge

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush and Sephora #57
(dampened before shampoo)

Essence of Beauty: Precision Blender Sponges
(dampened before shampoo)

Following the directions I dampened the brush bristles with lukewarm water and poured a small amount on my clean palm. I gently washed each brush by swirling it in my hand. Rinsed and Repeat. I shampooed both brushes twice. Squeezed out excess water with a lint free tissue.

Repeating almost the same process for the blender sponges. I gently swirl and wash the sponge focusing on the areas that have the darker stains seen in the picture above. Rinse and Repeat. Squeeze out excess water with a lint free tissue. 

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush 
(after being shampooed 2x)

Sephora #57
(after being shampooed 2x)

Essence of Beauty Precision Blender Sponges
(after being shapooed 2x)

So first off this is the first brush shampoo I have ever used. Usually I wash my personal brushes once a week with a moisturizing dish liquid which I will be getting into detail about in another post, and spot clean with MAC Brush Cleanser. It usually only takes one shampoo lather to get my brushes and sponges completely clean. Unfortunately even after shampooing twice and rinsing thoroughly both brushes still had staining and residue. The shampoo removed most of the product on the sponges. There was a couple spots that had a very light stain but for the most part it got the job done.

Pricing: $6.00 for 2 oz.

Over All Rating

I give the Sephora Makeup Brush Shampoo a 5/10. I don't recommend it. In my opinion it just didn't work better than my previous method. I had to work twice as long on each tool because I had to shampoo twice and even then it still left some residue and staining behind. Now the price doesn't seem too bad, but I get a large 19 oz. bottle of my favorite dish soap for around the same price and it gets the job done faster and conditions the bristles . So that's all for today.

Until Next Time... Have an Amazing Day!

Available: Sephora

MAC Pressed Pigments: Review

M.A.C Pressed Pigment Fall 2013 Collection launched recently adding 9 new "sophisticated" shades. I only picked up two of the new shades Black Grape and Damson. I wanted to pick up Pink Pepper but unfortunately it was sold out :'( . I also added a pressed pigment I had purchased from a previous collection called Day Gleam so that I can just give my view and over all experience of this product.

So the M.A.C Cosmetics website describes the pressed pigments as:

"An intensely creamy highlighter offering extreme pearlescence and versatility of finish. Apply dry for a high shine, or on damp skin for a dramatic wet look. Provides eye-catching sheer-to-moderate build able coverage and natural dimension finish ."

Damson, Black Grape, Day Gleam (left to right)

• Damson is described as a "deep brown with gold pearl" 
• Black Grape is described as a "deep auburgine with multipearl"
• Day Gleam is described as "high pearl powder in NC 30" 

So I have been seeing mixed reviews about this product. My personal experience has been.... AMAZING! I have enjoyed using every one of these shades. They are best applied with a clean finger in a packing motion or packed into a synthetic brush (242,252) and then dampened with Fix +. Application can be a bit messy, so unless your wearing a shadow shield you definitely want to apply your foundation and concealer after completing the eyes. I have only used these on the eyes and that's the intended purpose I purchased them with. They are beautiful, sparkly and true to pan color. Great on their own and gorgeous as an added highlight on the lid.

Pricing: $21.00 for 0.10oz

Swatches

No Primer or Base

Damson, Black Grape, Day Gleam (left to right w/ flash)

Damson, Black Grape, Day Gleam (left to right no flash)

With Urban Decay Primer Potion

Black Grape on the lid applied with a 252 MAC brush (damp)

Day Gleam on the lid packed with a clean finger (dry)

 Damson on the lid applied with a 252 MAC brush (damp)

Over All Rating

I give the MAC Pressed Pigments a 9/10. The pigments are beautiful and provide a shiny sparkly look if dry or a wet metallic look if damp.They are definitely worth the $21 a piece, in my opinion. They are a current favorite I often find myself reaching for and considering buying a couple more shades. I don't give them a 10/10 just because they can get a bit messy during application. So that is all for today.

Until Next Time... Have An Amazing Day!

Available: M.A.C Cosmetics