Beauty Buy, Blunder & Break: Mascara

It has been much too long since I've posted a beauty review, but fear not, I have been trying more drugstore-brand cosmetics, and keeping tabs on what sucks and what doesn't. Lately, I've picked up a lot of new mascara. Let's start with the good. (Then we can move on to the bad and the ugly... or rather, mediocre.)

Buy: L'Oreal Double Extend

As you can see, this mascara requires two applications...

The first is the "Fortifying Extender" and the second, the "Color Magnifier".

The first is white and the second, the color of the mascara. I felt the "Fortifying Extender" applies sort-of a tubing on your lashes that really does what it promises - lengthens. This two step process is worth the effort; it was, by far, my most favorite mascara I've tried as of late. Retail price on this is $10.95.

Buy: L'Oreal Voluminous Power Volume 24H w/Collagen

OK, wow, so far L'Oreal is 2 for 2. This mascara has a thick brush and delivers on the volume. Retails for $7.95. I prefer the Double Extend, but this is a safe bet.

Break: Nuance Ultra-Defining

Here's why I'm calling this one a "break". Retailing at $9.79, I expect better, specifically I expect waterproof. However, I really like the tiny brush, as I do believe it aids in separation of lashes.

Personally, I prefer my lashes long and separated, as opposed to voluminous. I didn't have issues with flaking or transfer to my under-eye, but this mascara barely lasts through the whole day. C'mon, Selma, you can do better than this. I'm also giving it the "break" rating for the packaging. It's sleek and simple. 

(I wish other brands would follow suit on the packaging aspect. The more it looks like MAC, the better, m'kay?)

Blunder: Almay One Coat Thickening

Oy. OK, not only does this NOT thicken, lengthen or do much of anything you expect mascara to do, but it flakes off throughout the day. Not even worth the $5.99, which is the least expensive of the bunch.

Beauty Blunder: Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush

I picked up Maybelline's Dream Bouncy Blush™ because the packages were small (no wasted packaging for a brush I wasn't going to use) and the colors looked pretty. The package said something about being lightweight like a powder but melts into skin like a cream. I wasn't sure if I was dealing with powder or a cream blush, but I figured, what the hell(!) and picked up the colors above. I paid $7.99 per .19 oz container at CVS.

I chose the following colors by holding them up to my face in a mirror. I realized that the closer the color was to my natural lip tint, the more flattering it would be. (I'm still working on this theory.)

#60 "Coffee Cake", #10 "Pink Frosting", #15 "Rose Petal"

As you can see above, the blush doesn't contain a whole lot of pigment.

I only used one blush (#60 "Coffee Cake") but that was all I needed. As I've stated previously, I don't like cream blush, and this turned out to be cream blush. (Surprise!) I think they could have indicated this on the package, but it was very vague.

The problem with cream blush is you must use your fingers (messy), you have to sculpt the color on your cheekbones (difficult) and it doesn't allow for even application, like a brush does. I needed to apply a fairly large amount of blush to get the desired intensity, it didn't spread evenly, and within a short number of hours it had worn off.

Fail.

(This is NOT a sponsored post.  As stated on my "About" page, all beauty products reviewed are purchased by me.  The opinions contained herein are my own, and are not influenced by any person/Corporation, etc.)

Beauty Break & Blunder: Face Cleanser

Since I've had such great luck with Nuance makeup products, I thought I would try the skincare line.  I picked up the Walnut Facial Scrub (originally $7.99) and Chamomile Cream Cleanser (originally $7.99) when CVS was offering buy one get one 50% off all Nuance skincare items.

Walnut Scrub: Beauty Break

I liked the texture of this scrub.  It was exfoliating, but not harsh.  The smell was nice, as well.  My skin felt a bit cool after use - very fresh.

Chamomile Cream Cleanser: Beauty Blunder

I did not like this cleanser at all.  I felt the scent was an attempt to mimic higher end products, but it was way off.  It smelled cheap.  I couldn't get past the scent.

Both cleansers were inexpensive, but not cheap.  Additionally, I broke out in a rash that I think was caused by one of these cleansers, but I'm not sure which one.  I think it was the scrub though, because I used it more than once and as soon as I stopped using it, my skin cleared up.  I would recommend the walnut scrub, but with caution.

Beauty Blunder: Facial Cleansing Wipes

I'm still searching for that perfect wipe, and I was way off with this one.

up & up Gently Gone makeup remover cleansing towelettes

Package states on the front "gently removes all types of makeup, including waterproof mascara".  Yeah, not so much.

Let's start with the 1st claim - gentle.  Nope.  These wipes are rough on your face and even worse on your eyes.  They smell like baby wipes.  Given the smell and the feel, they probably aren't far off.

Now the last claim  - removes waterproof mascara.  Bzzzz!  NO!  Not for me at least, but I wasn't willing to scrub my delicate eye skin to try harder. 

I think I paid about $4 for these, and because of Target's return policy, I can't get my $4 back.

Beauty Blunder: Mascara

I've heard good things about Maybelline's Falsies mascara, so I thought I would give it a try.

First of all, if you think that any mascara will make your lashes look like this, like Judas Priest says "you've got another thing coming".  Mascara commercials so obviously use fake lashes on their models; it's almost insulting - do they really believe people are that stupid?!  Don't answer that.

Here's the result I got from a light application of Maybelline Falsies mascara.

This mascara isn't all bad, but it didn't impress me enough to give it a "bank" rating.  It's pretty cheap, I paid $5.94 at Target =  pro.  It did not weigh down my lashes = pro.  But (here comes the cons) it transferred to my under-eye area (I was using waterproof), it flaked (who doesn't hate that?), and after working out, it was barely there (waterproof?).

I guess I expect a lot from my mascara, but CoverGirl's Exact Eyelights delivers on all my expectations.  You're probably wondering why I decided to try something new.  Eh... your guess is as good as mine. 

Beauty Blunder: Blush

Since things worked out so well with CoverGirl's Simply Ageless foundation, I thought I would give the CG/Olay blush a try.  I picked up CoverGirl's Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush in Rich Cinnamon 210.

CoverGirl's description: Creamy color defines cheekbones and stays suspended over fine lines and wrinkles for flatteringly flawless coverage. The Olay Regenerist Serum inside is infused with vitamins, skin conditioners, and anti-oxidants that actually help improve skin texture to give you an instantly healthy-looking, youthful glow.

My review:  The texture of this blush was a little weird to me.  It was creamy, but thin.  The pigment was not very strong.  I tried applying with the sponge included, but I couldn't get an accurate application, so I used my fingers.  You need to be very skilled with makeup application in order to get this right.  You are literally sculpting your blush with your fingers, or the sponge, which is more difficult.  I normally use a blush with a bit of shimmer to it, and this is missing here.  Without that shimmer, this blush looks flat and blah on skin.  

I paid $13.79 at CVS.  If you're desperate for a cream blush, I would try MAC's Cremeblend.  For only about $6 more ($19.50), you can try it before you buy it, and utilize the Makeup Artists in the store for pointers.  Or for only about $3 more, try MAC Cream Colour Base.  I plan on sticking to a powder blush from now on.

Beauty Blunder: Brushes

Brushes are one of those items that I don't enjoy spending money on.  It's a necessity, but there's no fun that comes with it, like a new lipstick or eyeshadow.  A good-sized brush at MAC will run you about $40 (ouch!).

I checked out two cheap brushes and I'm sorry to report, I don't have good news.

The first brush I tried was e.l.f.'s Studio Fan Brush ($3).  I haven't used any other fan brush out there, so I didn't really know what to expect, but this brush did absolutely nothing for me.  It's too soft, doesn't hold onto product and bends all over the place when using on your face.  Save yourself the $3.

The second brush I tried was EcoTools' Bamboo Powder Brush.  I paid $8.99 at Walgreens.  This brush was also too soft and didn't hold product.  I returned it after one use.

This may be an area where you have to shell out the big bucks if you want a product that works.  If you think about how long a good brush will last (I've had mine for probably 4 years or more), the price is actually pretty reasonable,

Beauty Blunder: Lipgloss

I use lipgloss like it's chapstick, and those that know me know that I, alone, use enough chapstick to keep Carmex in business.  So, on one of my recent trips to Target, I thought I would try to find a cheaper alternative to my MAC Cremesheen Glass in Boy Bait, a light neutral beige with pearl - pretty much the perfect nude lip. 

I've been really anxious to try e.l.f.'s products, especially if I'm already at Target, so I picked up their Minty Lip Gloss in Nashville, which looked similar to Boy Bait, in the container.

Ugh, another beauty blunder.  First of all, there seems to be something wrong with the packaging of this lip gloss.  The opening of the tube scrapes off most of the gloss before you can apply it.  So you have to dip and apply SEVERAL times, enough that it becomes annoying.  Secondly, the mint taste is awful!  It's too sweet and sugary and stays on your lips for a long time (unlike the gloss, itself).  Lastly, there is little to no color in this gloss.  It's not nude, it's barely clear; chapstick does more for your lips.  The cost for this gloss was $3.

I've read that e.l.f.'s "regular" line of glosses are much better, so I'm not writing them off completely.  I've heard good things about them, and I'm willing to give them another go.

Beauty Blunder: Mascara

Along with my foundation from Avon, I also received SuperCurlacious Mascara.  Avon's description: Get lashes up to 200% curvier* for up to 12 hours. Exclusive curl-fix formula sets and holds the curve and doubles the volume for a big, thick curl that stays the day. Unique super curvy power-molded brush hugs your lash line and grabs every lash for a gravity-defying curve! Lashes lift off for a big, bold curl that won’t clump, flake or smudge. .26 oz. net wt. *Compared to natural lashes. All Avon mascaras are hypoallergenic and opthalmologist-tested.

Avon's SuperCurlacious Mascara was just OK.  It wasn't wonderful and it wasn't terrible.  It was a bit heavy, as it weighed my lashed down and straightened them out a bit.  I had the same problem that I've had with MAC mascara - it transferred to my under-eye area.  I paid $9.00, which to me was a bit high for just OK mascara, so I returned it.

 

OK, Avon, so far you're 0 for 2... I'm not very optimistic I'm going to see a good product from you.

Beauty Blunder: Foundation

I received my Avon order yesterday (more reviews are coming soon!), and with it was Avon's Healthy Makeup Cream-to-Powder Foundation w/SPF 15.  Avon's description: Avon Healthy Makeup, beauty with benefits. What is Healthy? A new color collection designed to enhance the key signs of healthy skin - Hydration: Moisture helps keep in essential nutrients so skin looks fresh. Texture: Smooth, silky skin allows color to go on evenly and look naturally flawless. Radiance: Radiant color makes your entire look come alive. Healthy Makeup is infused with skin-loving nutrients. Natural matte powder finish. Medium-to-full buildable coverage. Suitable for sensitive skin. Triple Vitamin & Antioxidant Complex enriched with pomegranate and apple. .3 oz. net wt.

Sounds nice...it's not.  

I wouldn't call this medium-to-full coverage, I would call it light-to-medium (and that's being gracious).  I could barely tell I had anything on, which was really odd to me considering it looked so dark in the compact.  (I tried to take a picture of the foundation on my hand, like I did with the CG foundation, but it was so light, I couldn't see it.)   

On top of that, it had a weird, chemically smell.

The only good thing I can say about this foundation is the packaging.  It has a flip top, a space underneath the product for the sponge and a mirror inside the compact.  Oh, and the sponge is decent. 

I will give Avon another try with foundation, but I'm not optimistic.