My Top 5 Favourite Mascaras

Welcome back lovely people!
Today's post is a little different than my usual content but I decided to upload it anyway because what the heck, why not?!  I am going to take you all through my top 5 ultimate favourite mascaras!  These are the best of the best in my opinion; some of which are great on their own, others look fantastic paired together.  Keep in mind, these products are what works best for me and my own lashes.  Everyone has different preferences when it comes to mascara, as well, everyone has different lashes.  I am very appreciative of the lashes that I have naturally.  Aside from genetics, I must give credit to the DIY Lash Growth Serum that I put on my lashes every night.  I did a whole separate blog post about that so if you want to check it out (why wouldn't you!?), click here!  Now that that is all said and done, onto the mascaras.... (in no particular order)

  1. Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara in Very Black
I mean let's be honest here, if you or someone you know has not owned this mascara at some point in time, then you're doing it all wrong.  This is my go-to base mascara meaning, I love to start off my mascara routine with this baby.  It won't give you crazy length or crazy volume, but it is absolutely fantastic at separating the lashes in between coats.  Decent-sized brush that has little rubber spikes coming out of it so if rubber brushes aren't your thing, then you may want to pass on this one.  The spikes on this wand don't hurt your eyes like other spiked-wands.  The spikes taper down ever so slightly towards the end of the brush and the tip is completely flat.  This baby is great once you first open it and eventually (once it starts to dry out a bit) you will be able to tell once it's time to get a new one.  Wear it alone for a more natural look OR use it as a base to other more dramatic mascaras like I do!  The mascara comes in four shades (black, black brown, brown, and very black) and runs anywhere from 5-8 bucks depending on where you shop (can be found at most if not all drugstores)!







2. L'Oréal Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara in Carbon Black
Another oldie but a goodie.  I'm sure you've all tried or at least seen the original gold-tube of this mascara... Well, the black tube is even better!  This is going to be your go-to lengthening mascara, and when I say lengthening, I mean it will give you length hunny!  I prefer the one if the black tube as it is more intense than the original (but that is obviously a personal preference).  This is definitely a more wet-formula so if you're more of a dry mascara kinda person, then you may wanna skip out on this one.  Similar to the Covergirl mascara mentioned above, this mascara comes with a rubber wand with teeny-tiny spikes that again do not hurt or irritate the eye.  The tip comes to a nice point which can coat the inner lashes very nicely and because the wand is so small, you can get right up close to that lash line and almost give a tight-lined effect to your lashes.  Definitely a great follow-up to the Covergirl mascara since this one won't really add much volume but will give you some serious length.  Price ranges anywhere from 9-12 bucks depending on which stores you shop at and the deals that they have that week!






3. Essence I Love Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara in Black
The cheapest of the bunch but really packs a real punch!  You've probably passed by this section of the drugstore a couple times and thought nothing of it but this mascara is a must try for anyone looking for a bold, dramatic look that is volumized & lengthened!  This mascara will run you anywhere from 3-5 bucks at most drugstores and is sort of a hybrid of the Covergirl and L'Oreal mascaras listed above.  This is a thicker formula and actually needs some scraping off during the first couple uses, however, it gives such a crazy amount of volume that I can look past it.  Comes with a very large brush with rubberized spikes (can we see a trend here with my mascara preferences?) and the tip of the wand is sort of like a ball with spikes, similar to the Benefit They're Real mascara.  Forewarning though with this mascara: after 2 coats it does start to clump up but in no way do you need more than 2 coats (1 is sometimes more than enough for me).  Again, pair it up with the two other mascaras listed above and you've got some dramatic af lashes to hit up the town!






4. Estee Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara in Black
Okay before you kill me for including this crazy expensive mascara in this list, hear me out.  I've never been one to spend crazy amounts of money on mascara especially because if you're using them everyday, you'll eventually have to re-purchase another tube after 3-ish months.  However, this mascara is definitely worth the $27-30 price tag!  I would say this mascara is the Covergirl, L'Oreal, and Essence mascaras combined into one.  The medium sized wand has a bristle-brush applicator (a change from all the rubber) and tapers similar to that of a tree shape.  This mascara adds a ton of volume as well as length and is super black (also comes in a brown shade if that is more up your alley).  I love pairing this mascara with the L'Oreal one for some bombshell looking lashes for nighttime or using it alone for a dramatically natural looking lash (if that makes sense lol).  Personally my lashes are able to hold a curl very well, but I find this mascara definitely keeps that curl in place all day with no flaking!! That is one thing I forgot to mention, none of these mascaras flake on my eyes.  Granted I don't have the most sensitive or watery eyes (I don't wear contacts either), but it's still something worth mentioning.  Get out to an Estee Lauder counter and ask for a sample and see for yourself how great this mascara is!





5. Mac Extended Play Gigablack Lash in Intense Black

This last mascara is definitely different from the other four because it is my go-to lower lash mascara (the other four can be worn on the lower lashes too, I just prefer this one for that job)!  This mascara is comparable in size to the L'Oreal mascara, the only difference is the brush.  Here we are dealing with a long, skinny wand with a bristle-brush applicator much like traditional mascara wands except a lot skinnier (as opposed to the big rubber applicators).  This mascara has a really wet-formula and is super black in colour and claims to be a waterproof formula that can last up to 16 hours.  I for one have not tested that type of longevity before (because who the heck wants mascara on for that long anyway!?), but it does last your average 8 hour day.  Because the wand/brush is so skinny and small, it is perfect for those smaller lower lashes as well as the tight-line of your upper lashes if that's what you are using it for.  This baby will cost you 20 bucks in the Mac stores or at the Mac counters and doesn't dry out as fast as other mascaras.  Has a slight funky smell, but don't all mascaras have a weirdly unique smell to them? I will warn you though, the applicator is a little more stiff (nothing crazy) than the rest of the mascaras so go nice and easy on the eye area.            

Stay tuned for my next blog post and take care,

Glynn  

"Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle."

Napoleon Hill

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil DUPE!?

I'm sure you are all familiar with the brand Equate, which is sold exclusively at Walmart?  If not, it is basically like the "no-name" name brand at Walmart that sells tons of different items ranging from skincare to hair products.  What's unique about this brand is that they are somehow able to create almost the exact same products as many other popular/well-known brands sold in Walmart (i.e.: Pantene, Olay, Neutrogena, etc.).  I had popped into my local Walmart a couple of weeks ago and was looking in the make-up/beauty isles.  I stopped near the body/facial oils because I am absolutely obsessed with oils.  One skincare oil that caught my attention was the Bio-Oil Skincare Oil which I am sure you have all seen and/or heard of.  It's known to help improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and uneven skin tones.  Interestingly enough, right beside the Bio-Oil was, what looked to be, the exact same product only a different brand name... the Equate Skin Treatment Oil!  After examining both packages of oils, there are many similarities between the two oils (i.e.: same packaging, same bottle size, almost the exact same ingredients).  The only huge difference I could find was the price!!  Now I don't know about you, but if I can save a couple bucks here and there by buying the inexpensive dupe, you know I will! 

I created a chart below which compares the claims, directions, ingredients, and prices of both skin oils so that you can see how similar they really are!

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil	Equate Skin Treatment Oil
Claims: Boi-Oil is a specialist skincare product formulated to help improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone. It's unique formulation, which contains the breakthrough ingredient PurCellin Oil, is also highly effective for ageing and dehydrated skin.	Claims: Skin Treatment Oil helps to improve the appearance of scarring, dry skin, uneven skin tone, and stretch marks.  It contains Vitamin A and E, Rosemary, Calendula, Lavender, and Chamomile oils to rejuvenate the appearance of the skin.  It is hypoallergenic, contains no preservatives and is suitable for all skin types and can be used on face and body.
Directions: For the best results use twice daily on affected areas such as, scarring, stretch marks or uneven skin tone for a minimum of 3 months.	Directions: For the best results use twice daily on affected areas such as, scarring, stretch marks or uneven skin tone.  Individual results may vary.
Ingredients: Paraffinum Liquidum, Triisononanoin, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Isopropyl Myristate, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Glycine Soja Oil, BHT, Bisabolol, Parfum, Amyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Coumarin, Eugenol. Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Limonene, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, CI 26100 (Red 17).	Ingredients: Paraffinum Liquidum, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Triisononanoin, Isopropyl Myristate, Anthemis Nobilis Oil (Chamomile Oil), Lavandula Angustifolia Oil (Lavender Oil), Rosmarinus Officinalis Oil (Rosemary Oil), Calendula Officinalis Extract (Calendula Oil), Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Glycine Soja Oil, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), BHT, Bisabolol, CI 26100 (Red 17).
Price: $11.97  for 60 mL (at most drugstores)	Price: $7.99 for 60 mL (anywhere Equate is sold, i.e. Walmart)

I have been looking for a facial oil that can replace my Banish Acne Scars Vitamin C, E, Ferulic Acid Serum on the days when I do not use it.  The Banish Acne Scars serum is quite expensive ($39.00 for about 15 mL) but is definitely worth every penny.  However, I only like using it after I use my Banish Acne Scars O.5MM roller.  I figured the Bio-Oil/Equate Skin Treatment Oil would be great to use every day/night in place of my Banish Acne Scars serum because it is so inexpensive.  So far I have noticed nothing but great results using the Equate Skin Treatment Oil both day and night when I have not used the roller on my face.  Of course with fading acne scars comes patience so in no way are either oils miracle products.  However, if you did want to save some money while still seeing the same results as the Bio-Oil, I would definitely recommend the Equate Skin Treatment Oil!  As always, I am not a dermatologist nor a skincare specialist, these are just my opinions and what works for me.  

The pictures above are exactly 4 months apart (Left side: April 7, 2015; Right side: August 7, 2015).  Obviously these are not the results of the Equate Skin Treatment Oil alone because I have only been using it for a couple of weeks but you can see the difference that both the Equate Oil and the Banish Acne Scars System has made.  I will be going into more detail on my actual Banish Acne Scars updates in future blogs to come this month but just thought I'd include a quick before & after reference for you loveys.

Stay tuned for my next blog post and take care,
Glynn  

"Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts.  This is the secret of success."

Swami Sivananda

Beauty Blender Sponge

Welcome back beautiful people!

I hope those of you who experience Daylight Saving Time are well-rested and starting to get used to the time change!  Today's post is all about a product that I'm sure you are all aware of.  It received a lot of hype when it first came out and still to this day, people rave about it.  To some it may just look like a coloured, egg-shaped sponge, but to others it really is a miracle sponge.  

 

Who

Invented by top Hollywood make up artist Rea Ann Silva.

 What

The original beautyblender® (pink sponge) is a revolutionary non-latex makeup sponge applicator with 360 degrees of usable surface for creating absolute complexion perfection. This five-time Allure Best of Beauty Award-winner is ergonomically designed to meet your makeup needs. beautyblender® is the first high definition, neon pink sponge application tool that gives you everything from amazingly sheer coverage to a buildable full coverage.

There are three types of beautyblender® sponges: the original, the pro, and the pure.  The pure beautyblender® (white sponge) is the same as the original except that it is colourless and is targeted for your primers, serums, moisturizers, and skincare.  The pro beautyblender® (black sponge) is the same as the original except it was made with make-up artists in mind.  It will hide make-ups that are darker in colour or stain the sponge.

 

Why

To solve the problem that many people find themselves running into when applying make-up.  The beautyblender® sponge is the easiest way to apply your foundations, creams, concealers, powders, mineral make-up, BB/CC creams, etc. and perfects the look of all of them.  It's open cell structure allows the sponge to absorb water so that the sponge isn't soaking in and wasting your make-up.  

How to use the beautyblender® (original, pure, and pro)?  Three super simple steps!

1. Wet
• Either soak the sponge in a bowl of water (hot or cold) or run the sponge under the faucet for about 10 seconds (again, hot or cold water based on your personal preference).  I personally like to use cold water so that the sponge adds extra moisture into my skin as I am bouncing my foundation on.  Hot water could potentially open up your pores which would lead to having those peak through the foundation (unless you are using a pore minimizing primer then it may not be an issue).  
2. Squeeze

• Once the water has absorbed into the sponge, you want to give it a good squeeze.  You'll notice after the first squeeze that the sponge is much larger and softer than it was before you wet it.  You can either squeeze it out with your hands a couple times, or squeeze the sponge into a towel a few times.  Either way you choose, make sure you get most of the water out. 
3. Bounce 

• Now you are ready to apply and blend away your make-up like a dream.  You can either dab the beautyblender® into your foundation and apply to your face or dot your foundation all over your face and bounce the sponge over it.  And once the foundation is either on your sponge or on your face, you are ready to blend away!  You can use bouncing motions on any side of the sponge!

So I'll just go over a quick Pros & Cons list:
Pros

• Applies and blends make-up at the same time
• Super easy to use (wet, squeeze, bounce)
• Beginner friendly 
• Non-latex for those with allergies and/or sensitivities 
• The "miracle" sponge
• Can be used with foundations, concealers, mineral make-up, etc. (liquids, creams, or powders)

Cons

• Other than always needing water to use the sponge, the only other "con" I can think of is the price.  As opposed to other sponge-like applicators, this bad boy retails for $19.95 US and $26.00 CAN.  This may be expensive for some (hence why it is in the "cons" list) and inexpensive for others, however, it is worth the money in the long-run

I would also recommend buying the cleansers that are made by the same brand!  I have tried other methods of washing the beautyblender® such as dish soap, baby shampoo, etc., and nothing works as good as the cleansers that Rea Ann Silva has created.  I have the solid cleanser and I think it works so well with the beautyblender® beause it is fast yet so effective.  A couple swirls in the cleanser, run the sponge under some water, and it's clean and ready to use again.  

Overall, I honestly think that this $19.95 US/$26.oo CAN sponge is worth the price.  It really is a miracle sponge at blending away foundations/concealers/powders into nothing so that your skin looks like skin, rather than it looking like make-up.  The beautyblender® was made to last and I promise once you start using it, you won't want to use anything else!

Interested in purchasing any of the products mentioned?  I gotcha covered!  Direct links to Sephora's online store are listed below!  You can also find these products on Amazon, eBay, and on the Makeup Geek web-store.

*Click here to purchase the Original beautyblender®*

*Click here to purchase the Pure beautyblender®*

*Click here to purchase the Pro beautyblender®*

*Click here to purchase the blendercleanser® Solid*

*Click here to purchase the blendercleanser® Liquid*

Stay tuned for my next blog post and take care,
Glynn
 

"Whether I'm wearing lots of make-up or no make-up, I'm always the same person." 

Lady Gaga

DIY Eyelash/Eyebrow Growth Serum

Yes, you read the title correctly...

I hope you are all doing wonderfully, and I hope you enjoyed my first post for last week's Make-up Monday (a little long, but very informative, no?).  As promised in last week's Make-up Monday post, here is the secret to my long lashes!

Let's clear one thing first though before I get into the good stuff...

Question:  "Am I going to apply this stuff to my eyelashes and eyebrows at night and wake up to full, bushy eyebrows, and long luscious eyelashes?"

Answer: No. BUT, you will see pretty impressive improvements over time!

Now that that is cleared up, let's move onto what we our doing ourselves today!

Basically it is a super simple, at home serum that you can make using three ingredients that you may have lying around your house.  I won't lie to you, I only had one of the ingredients, BUT the ingredients are readily available at your drugstores (I found all of mine at Walmart) and are relatively inexpensive compared to the high-end lash growth gels that they sell in Sephora.   

Now I can't lie and type here acting like I wasn't born with a good set of eyelashes, but fortunately I was born with long eyelashes.  However, I always had a problem with my left eyelashes (they used to be noticeably smaller than my right ones; used to bug the crap out of me) but since using this serum for probably three years now, my left AND right eyelashes are pretty even!  As for eyebrows, I'm half Italian so I do have very thick, dark hair.  Trust me, I've had my fair share of eyebrow shapes from really thin, to really thick, to everything in between!  Don't believe me?  Here are my eyebrows through the years (recent-old).....

Yes... in 2009, they were this thin (good God what was I thinking lol)

Please let's get back on topic and forget that we ever saw those 2009 brows....

There are three simple ingredients for this serum (readily available at your local Walmarts!):

1.  Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel
2.  Equate Vitamin E Skin Oil
3.  Rougier Castor Oil USP

All three ingredients will help to condition and moisturize the eyelashes/eyebrows, lengthen, and thicken all while keeping them nice and healthy looking.  What you have to find is some sort of container to store the mixture in.  I use an old Avon Clearskin Blemish Clearing Acne Pads container that I have cleaned out.  

1. For your mixture you want to have:
     - 1/2 of the container filled with Castor Oil
     - 1/4 Vitamin E Oil
     - 1/4 Aloe Vera Gel  

2. Then you want to mix the three ingredients together with a disposable mascara wand (I get mine at Sally's Beauty Supply)

3. Then, when you are ready to apply, swirl the disposable mascara wand inside the mixture and scrape the excess off

4. Apply to your eyelashes and/or eyebrows.  Be liberal, coat the heck out of those babies!  I recommend doing this right before bed every night, and when you wake up in the morning you'll thank me!  Also, if you are just lounging around the house during the day and you don't have any plans, wear some during the day!  I will warn you though, if you put a lot on your eyelashes during the day, your eyes may get irritated and I find mine sometimes tend to feel a little heavy which in turns makes me want to take a nap (so what I'm trying to get at is don't be putting this stuff on your eyes before a huge road trip or operating heavy machinery lol).  Also, you will notice some of the product get on your lower lash line, or on your eyelids... this is completely normal, simply wipe off with a tissue.

As for eyebrows, I can vouch that this serum works with the before and after pictures listed below.  Keep in mind it did not actually take me 3 months to grow in the right eyebrow (thanking the Italian genes for that one), but these were the only pictures I had that showed the drastic difference in hair growth.  The "after" pictures show that the left eyebrow's tail is slightly longer now and the right eyebrow has thickened. 

Before (October 2014)

After (January 2015)

 Same thing goes for eyelashes as it did with the brows; I absolutely love the results I get with this stuff!  You can definitely see the lengthening aspect of the serum working and somewhat of a thickening result.  Obviously the serum won't allow a bunch of new lashes to grow in to make them look a lot fuller, but slowly it will add some fullness to your own lashes. 

Before (December 2014)

After (January 2015)

I actually gave a sample of the D.I.Y. serum to a friend of mine from school (Daniella @daniella_dambrosio) and she's already noticed a change in the way her eyelashes curl with her curler and how mascara applies to them saying, "My eyelashes stick in the curler so much better now and not awkwardly like before, and the mascara goes on so much nicer and smoother now." She also noticed a "definite growth in the length of her top and bottom lashes." 

Try it out and see if it works!  I've been using this serum for years (4+) now and I've seen nothing but positive results! There's no harm in trying it out right?  Be sure to stick with it and give it some time!  All the best if you do test it out!

Stay tuned for my next blog post and take care,
Glynn

“I’ve learned from experience that if you work harder at it, and apply more energy and time to it, and more consistency, you get a better result. It comes from the work."

 Louis C. K.