I haven’t really been trying out new mascaras recently because I love good ole faithful, but when I was in London I got a trial size of Chanel’s new Exceptionnel De Chanel (what a name!) mascara.
A dream mascara is one that is volumizing, curling and lasting. Exceptionnel De Chanel achieves these three feats in perfect harmony. Its exceptional brush provides lash-by-lash application and creates an intense volume effect for precise makeup from roots to tips.
I mentioned some time ago that I don’t really like mascaras with plastic bristles, but I am pleasantly surprised by this mascara. I will even say that it’s name doesn’t sound that ridiculous! The comb brush is very easy to use and does lift lashes a little. The separation is great and the volume and length is nice too. My only complaint is that within a week, the tube got clumpy and looked a mess. Although still useable, the brush looked horrible and it did clump on the lashes. Shame, because I liked the clump-less formula a week before! Also, I am forever shocked about the price (US$28).
Overall? I cannot buy a full tube myself with that price. Also, although it still works fine, the brush gets very clumpy and messy. However, the results are exceptionnel … great mascara, but too many ‘flaws’ for me!
Has anyone else tried this mascara? What do you think about the brush, or plastic bristle mascara brushes in general? I gotta say I still prefer the old school kinds. :-P
The big problem with my hair is that it is limp, flat, thin … and has absolutely no volume. This prompted me to write my post 8 Ways to Get More Volume in Your Hair, which included all the volumizing tricks I could think of, and have tried in the past. They do work, however sometimes it’s not the best for your hair, especially teasing.
Enter Divado, hair inserts that give your hair a lift at the crown area without the damage from teasing and harmful products.
Whether you’re a Southern Belle, Jersey Girl or Surfer Chick we all want the same thing when it comes to our hair…Volume! And, after the 80′s we are all PAINfully aware of the time, effort and money it takes to achieve the perfect do. So, what is a diva to do?
The solution is the Divado! Divado is perfect for all occasions from weddings, proms and charity formals. It’s so stable; you can play tennis or go to the gym looking oh so glam in your Divado. With its secure fit, sturdy construction and weather resiliancy, Divado provides for countless hours of beautiful hair.
The two types available are the Aubrey and the Bridgette, and since I’m still a little new to all this, I tried the Audrey as it looked a little more natural. Honestly, I did think that having a rubber slip at the crown of my head would be way too obvious; not to mention the anxiousness you feel – imagine if it fell off your head mid conversation! However, the Aubrey was put into place very well. I covered it with a lot of hair and set it with hairspray (I love this one the best and highly recommend it!).
It is fairly easy to insert, though I do think it takes practice. As you can see there is comb so it grips into your hair properly, though I did stick a few bobby pins to secure it, as well as the hairspray like mentioned above.
Overall, it stayed in place and I am very impressed that it felt so secure. Volumizing wise – well, what can I say! It gave nice height to my crown as I did a messy bun and a ponytail, didn’t look “too much” and the best bit is that I did not damage my hair at all. I would high recommend Divado for those special occasions; weddings, proms, beauty pageants, red carpet events, etc. Really easy, fast volume that stays in place until you take it off.
P.S. You can buy Divado at Divadohair.com. Beauty Fool readers get 20% off with the code “BF20″. Enjoy! ;)
Sometimes you just have to face the truth. You can’t really get out there, crazy, long thick eyelashes with a mascara. Sometimes you need to fake it! ;)
Allow me to recommend the false lashes by Revlon – afforable and best of all, they’re fantastic. Particularly I would like to recommend Defining, part of their Fantasy Lengths collection, because I think it is perfect for beginners like me.
Honestly speaking, I’m not too fond of false eyelashes. I see a lot of it here and sometimes it just looks too much; so I’ve always been a bit weary of them.
However, I first tried false eyelashes last Christmas – nothing too crazy; I bought the individual lashes and put two on each outer corner of my eye. The effect was good enough and I loved it - my eyes really stood out in the photos, for one thing!
Revlon was recently recommended to me, and since I already love the brand (especially their eyeshadows, as seen here in my makeup bag) I had high hopes for it.
My favorite was #99501 Defining. Defining is easy to apply because first of all, it has it’s own glue. No messy application or anything! I was very impressed that it was so easy to use, so that was a big plus for me. I was also a bit scared that it might look a bit too much; especially the ’base’ where you apply it to. However, the base of the lashes can be disguised by liquid liner (my fave is this one by Chanel) so it doesn’t look too obvious at all. Overall, it ended up looking very natural. Like it’s name, it beautifully defined lashes and went well with my own.
What are your thoughts on false eyelashes, and why do you wear them? Personally I’m still not too fond of them but for special occasions I will definitely consider and highly recommend Defining by Revlon (and browsing their website (where you can purchase them), ‘Intensifying’, shown in the picture, looks great too!).
Well, I think I’m a little late (a little?! you scream) but I have started to love M.A.C. eye shadows. I never thought much of them (sorry M.A.C. fans!) and the brand in general, because I just can’t keep up with all their releases! However, I remember buying an eye shadow, Brown Script, from their Matte collection ages ago because I love matte colors and wanted a normal, everyday brown. But I used it once and thought the color doesn’t suit me.
However I found it the other day with Satin Taupe (think it was a gift) and now I’m in love with them! I’m not too excited by the colors I have, but I’ve been playing around and now I do agree with all you M.A.C. enthuists – they really are good!
Here’s why I love M.A.C. eyeshadows:
- fantastic range of colors
- great staying power
- greatly pigmented
- smooth application
- blends well
I would definitely recommend trying out M.A.C. eyeshadows – it’s not high end, it’s not low end, and I believe that it’s quite reasonably priced for such a great product. Love it, love it, love it! Now I’m on the hunt for more colors; khaki, greens, matte browns, champagne, and a perfect ‘base’ color. Any recommendations for me? I like matte and very light shimmer shades!
What do you think of M.A.C. eyeshadows? Which ones are your favorite, and could you help me with some color recommendations? :D
I‘m surprised I haven’t tried this popular mascara earlier, because I love anything black and pink! I’ve heard tons of reviews on this mascara (good and bad – seems to be either loved hated), so I’m glad the day has come!
One of the major features of this mascara is it’s obnoxious brush. I thought Diorshow‘s brush was a bit ridiculous but I love that mascara, so I thought nothing of the claims of how big this brush is. Well, let me say that this brush is big; it can probably scrub the corners of your kitchen sink. I was scared I might poke my eye out (or actually not reach my lashes) but surprisingly it didn’t. A little hard to use though, especially if you have smaller eyes like me!
Apart from the brush, the formula seemed easy to apply and went on smoothy. However, I gotta say I’m a bit underwhelmed. I was hoping for massive, insane “BAAD” lashes. It seems like a normal black mascara to me. Normal length, normal volume, normal everything with minimal smudging and no flaking. When you layer on more than 2 coats, then yes; there is a lot of volume but then it gets clumpy. Hmm. Too bad, I really love some of Benefit’s products (especially Boi-ing concealer!).
Has anyone tried Bad Gal? What are your thoughts on it? I’m not saying it’s a terrible mascara – far from it – but for that price I don’t feel it’s worth it. But let me know what you think!
So finally … the famous NARS Orgasm has gotten into my hands. I’m lucky I bought it in London, where there is a different currency and my math is too hopeless to convert; because I’m sure this little thing cost a bomb. Ignorance is bliss, right? Here’s what they say:
NARS Orgasm makes cheeks blush a perfect pinky-peach flush and subtly highlights with accents of golden shimmer. The perennially pleasing, universally flattering shade is again and again a makeup artist and beauty editor favorite.
Anyway, before I start, I would like to give major props to the girls that swatch on every product review. This is hard work! It’s my first time so I didn’t really know what I was doing – if you’re a pro and reading this, please do give me tips on how to make my swatches better, I’d be extremely grateful! And for readers, I hope this satisfies your curiosity on the cult favorite blush. So, let’s begin!
1. Packaging. The packaging is fantastic. It looks classy, sleek and it feels like a very sturdy compact! Love the way it adds to my makeup bag, that’s for sure. I heard that it shouldn’t get too ‘hot’ as it will melt! Point taken – keep it in your makeup bag far away from the sun, ladies.
When you open the compact, it comes with a little mirror – which, to be very honest, I never really use mirrors from compacts. I find them way too small, I like a giant mirror! However, I tried it out and you can definitely see your whole face in it, it’s not one of those crazy magnifying mirrors that you can’t see anything out of! I tried applying with the mirror and it was fine, though personally I like my larger one.
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![aussie-3-minute-miracle-reconstructor-deep-conditioner[1]](http://www.beautyfool.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/aussie-3-minute-miracle-reconstructor-deep-conditioner1.jpg "aussie-3-minute-miracle-reconstructor-deep-conditioner[1]")
After seeing all these new products claiming to be 3 minute miracles, I decided to go to the original that started it all: Aussie. And boy am I glad I did – there are so many copycats (cough) out there for a reason; this little product is pure gold.
Is your hair pleading for some TLC?
Help is at hand – and in a hurry! In a matter of minutes this little wonder will help reconstruct damaged hair, smoothing and soothing and leaving it manageable, shiny and as ready to party as you are!
Meet an Aussie marvel … Safflower Seed Oil. Never heard of it? No worries, just say ‘pleased to meet you’ and your hair will be eternally grateful. It’s part of our magical, miraculous formula that helps mend split ends and repair roughened cuticles.
Oh Aussie, how I love you! This product is affordable, easy to use, smells heavenly, makes your hair smell heavenly, and dare I say it is the best conditioner I have ever used – screw those expensive brands! This is cheap and works wonderfully. My hair has never looked so healthy and soft. I was touching it the whole time I was talking to people – I know, very vain and annoying, but I couldn’t help it – it was so freakin’ soft! The only con is that while I was in London it was sold out everywhere I went so I had to get the little travel sachets instead. Boo!
So how much do I love this? Let’s just say I am desperately asking the best friend in London to ship me a few hundred bottles.
Have you ever tried this product? Don’t you love it?! :D
Hello and welcome! I'm Renee and I created this site to combine my love for writing, the web, and of course all things beautiful. ;) You can find out more 