Tried & Tested // *NEW* Bobbi Brown Eye Opening Mascara

When it comes to mascara, there are a few important things I look for. I want my mascara to give me lots of length, hold a curl nicely and give me enough volume so that my lashes still look natural but nice and fluttery. I have been in a long-term, open relationship with the Lancôme Hypnôse mascara for a while now - sometimes seeing the Tarte Lights Camera Lashes mascara on the side and occasionally the Maybelline Lash Sensational too. So when the Bobbi Brown Eye Opening Mascara entered my life, things were already a bit crowded in my mascara draw.

However, I have to admit that it was love at first application with the new Eye Opening Mascara from Bobbi Brown. Although initially I was a little bit put off by the jumbo sized wand I was surprised to find that I was able to coat my short, little lashes easily without making a mess of mascara all over my eyelids!

Immediately I noticed how well the mascara pushed up my lashes and curled them as well as how intensely black the formula is. The formula is really unique in that it contains kaolin, which is what helps the lashes hold a curl.

Image Source: http://www.sephora.com/contentimages/pdf/BB_EyeOpeningMascara.pdf

And of course at the end of all this hard mascara testing, I was pleasantly surprised at how easily it washed off at the end of the day with a little bit of warm water, especially considering how well it lasts without smudging or flaking!

You can purchase the Bobbi Brown Eye Opening Mascara anywhere there's a Bobbi Brown counter for $44. I grabbed mine from Mecca Maxima.

xx Cat

New Release: Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara & Hypersharp Wing Liquid Liner

Maybelline always do mascaras well. I've been a fan of The Falsies for ages and will always recommend Maybelline as the best mascaras at the drugstore. The new Lash Sensational Mascara is no exception and honestly I have been so so impressed by this mascara it now sits right next to my beloved Lancôme Hypnôse as my all time favourite mascara!

The Lash Sensational Mascara has curved wand with short plastic bristles which are longer on one side. I was particularly surprised that I fell in love with this mascara so much because I usually have a huge aversion the plastic bristles on mascara wands.

This mascara is amazing because it adds heaps of length, the perfect amount of volume (aka it doesn't clump!) and holds a curl better than any mascara I've tried. I love how it separates and defines my lashes and it doesn't smudge or flake, wearing really well throughout the day.

At the same time Maybelline released the Lash Sensational Mascara into the Australian market, the Hypersharp Wing Liquid Liner also hit shelves. I've used the Maybelline Master Precise liquid liner in the past and found in to be ok and I was skeptical as to how different the Hypersharp liner could possibly be.

Again, however, I was pleasantly surprised and immediately impressed with the new product. The Hypersharp Wing liner has a nib that is similar to a liner brush in that it is made up of bristles rather than a felt tip. What makes this product really unique is that the brush tip is actually flat! This really interesting design means that on the thin edge you can get incredibly close to the lash line and it also makes it very easy to create a winged liner look. You can also use the brush on the flat side to create a more dramatic look.

The product itself is super black and wears really well without fading but isn't a hassle to remove like a gel liner. Overall so impressed with this new liner from Maybelline and now I'm able to wear a winged liner everyday if I want because it doesn't take three hours!

Maybelline is currently 50% off until 24th August at Priceline.

xx Cat

* These products were orginially provided to me as part of Beauty Heaven's Trial Team Program

Tried and Tested: Josie Maran Argan Black Oil Mascara

I'm a little bit obsessed with Josie Maran. It was love at first swatch with her Argan Illumanizer and ever since purchasing I can't help but stare longingly at the display at Mecca Maxima every time I'm in store.

I ended up adding the Argan Black Oil Mascara to my collection because even though I have more than enough mascaras for only having two eyes I was very intrigued by the brush and the formula just looked SO black! Also my taste in mascaras is expensive to say the least and while I'm usually happy to sell my body parts on the black market for a $52 Lancôme mascara, finding cheaper alternatives would help my budget situation.

What really impressed me about the product was how well it wore throughout the day. It held a curl and didn't smudge or flake but was so easy to remove at the end of the day with just micellar water. Initially I found application a little difficult because it is quite a large brush, but after giving it a go for a few days I was able to easily get a result that I really liked.

This mascara is definitely fantastic for volume but is more on the natural side in terms of length which is unfortunate for my stubby lashes so while I was a little disappointed at first I still enjoy using this mascara on more natural makeup days as it wears so well without the eye tugging needed to remove it later! It would also be great for those of you blessed with naturally long lashes who just want a bit of definition and volume! It also has the added benefit of containing Argan Oil to condition your lashes as well which is really unique to the market.

Overall, another beautiful product from Josie Maran that I am happy to have in my collection. I am happy with the price point too, at $27 I don't even cringe!

xx Cat

What's In My Makeup Bag? Shop My Stash Edition

Earlier this year I went through my entire makeup collection so I could organise everything and remind myself that I really don't need another foundation or mascara or lipstick...
Not only was I able to organise everything and make things more accessible I came across some long lost favourites that were hidden at the back of the draw and forgotten to new releases. I pulled out a few things and popped them in my everyday makeup bag so I could get some more use out of them and in some cases, try to finish them up!

The best rediscovery for me was definitely the Maybelline Mineral Power Powder Foundation and the Finishing Veil from the same range - you've probably seen these products pop up in a few of my FOTD posts recently. I forgot how much I loved to wear mineral foundation as it leaves such a flawless, velvety finish and it is a much welcomed addition to my everyday routine. It's also since been re-introduced to the Australian market after being discontinued - woo!

I also rediscovered the Kate Sommerville CC Cream which should never have been neglected considering how much I paid for it! This CC cream gives what I like to call "instagram face" i.e. it looks like your face has been smoothed and filtered in real life and I have been using this when I want a bit more of a glowy look. This used to be stocked at Mecca but it is unfortunately no longer on their website.

A few other complexion bits I pulled out and put in my makeup bag were the Benefit Erase Paste concealer and Maybelline's Fit Me Concealer. I love Fit Me and had just been trying out another concealer which is why it got a bit neglected. I am glad I pulled it out because it just last so well whether I'm using it under my eyes or over spots. The shade I have of Erase Paste is a little too dark for me but I have figured out I can use it to correct darkness under my eyes if I use another concealer on top. A bit of extra effort but I'd like to use this up so it doesn't go to waste.

I am pretty good at getting use out of all my blushes but my Youngblood Crushed Mineral Blush in Sherbet has been neglected for a while. This is probably the oldest makeup item in my collection and there's only a little bit left so I'll try and finish it up. It is a gorgeous pinky coral shade with a beautiful fine gold shimmer. Whilst it's a pretty blush my preferences are now a little less subtle and more....clown like.

Finally are a few eye bits which easily get neglected because again my mascara and eyeliner collections are a little out of hand. For mascara I decided to get some use out of Maybelline The Falsies Big Eyes which has the little wand for the lower lashes. The Falsies formula is my favourite from Maybelline but I do prefer the original brush better. For liner I picked an old Elizabeth Arden Eye Pencil in 03 Bronze which is nearly finished and for some reason I have 5 bronze eye liners that look exactly the same.

I've also switched up my everyday brow products to get some use out of some old favourites. Pulling out my Essence Eyebrow Designer in Blonde I remembered how frickin' amazing this product is for its $3 price tag. I am also endeavouring to finish up an old Manicare Clear Eyebrow Gel. This stuff is seriously crunchy but does the job so I won't waste it (I am desperately missing my Gimme Brow!!).

Hopefully this posts inspires you to go through your collection and pull out some old favourites!

xx Catherine

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What's on My Face? #2

What's on My Face?

15 Minute Makeup

It seems like time is always of the essence these days and to have an hour to sit down and do your makeup seems like an impossible luxury . However, looking great doesn't have to take a super long time. With the right tools and products you can be glammed up in the smallest amount of time. This is a look I wore for a night out with friends.

Read on to see how I did this look 

Drugstore Haul// Priceline & Target

What's this?! A video?!

I'm very excited to share with you my first video post or beauty 'vlog' where I talk about all the items I recently hauled in the Priceline 40% off sale and more exciting stuff too.

Because this whole video making thing is new to me I lost the footage from the first part of my Target haul - I can't remember if it was because I ran out of memory or I deleted but here are the items I forgot to mention in the video.

• Maybelline Colour Show Nail polish in Twilight Rays and Blue Freeze - these were 2 for 1 at Target!
• NP Set Crease Blender Brush - was $15 down to $10.50

Have a beautiful day and let me know if you enjoyed my video :)
xx Catherine

Review: Maybelline Volum' Express Falsies Mascara

My previous experiences with Maybelline mascaras have been less than impressive, however, The Falsies mascara gets so much hype in the blogging community I was interested to give this one a go. I was very impressed with this mascara, especially for the price. I really like how you can layer this mascara without it going clumpy to create a dramatic effect. As well as this, the curved wand is fantastic for reaching those outer lashes which I absolutely love. The light, dry formula means its perfect to keep your lashes curled all day.

Here you can see the definition this mascara gives with only one coat, compared to no mascara. My natural lashes are really underwhelming - they are straight and very short. This mascara worked well to add heaps of length, separate the lashes as well as curl them without using an eyelash curler.

Although this is not my favourite mascara of all time and it definitely doesn't create a 'false lash effect' as the name suggests, it is definitely a fantastic everyday mascara if you prefer dramatic lashes.

xx Cat ^.^

On-the-go Mascaras

Its amazing how quickly I accumulate mascaras. There are so many to try and I have to hold myself back before buying like ten different ones every time I go to Priceline!

Here are the mascaras I currently have open/am using:

Maybelline Mega Plush Volum' Express (Waterproof)

• waterproof mascara...*shudders* I really can't stand waterproof formulas but sometimes you just need them and I hate that! This one is ok, I definitely wouldn't repurchase though as I'm sure there are so many others to try that I would like more as well. It does make my lashes very 'plush' and full but nothing much in terms of length. This is the oldest one I have going and its nearly empty/dried up so at least I can throw it out soon! 

Photo sourced from: www.maybelline.com.au

Revlon Lash Potion by Grow Luscious

• Mentioned this one as my favourite product in January so I definitely am loving this one! Smaller brush than the Maybelline, beautiful formula that isn't super wet and makes my lashes look so long and full. Love! Definitely one I will repurchase.

Lancôme Hypnôse

• My favourite mascara ever! So great I won't even bat an eyelid when paying over $50 for one tube. The smallest brush of the three it creates amazing length and definitely the easiest formula to work with.
• I also have sample sizes of the other Hypnôse mascaras - Drama, Star and Doll Eyes. Each different one has a really interesting brush (photos* below!) and I also layer these on top of the original to create the most amazing lash looks ever!

 

*photos sourced from Nordstrom: these are the best photos I could find of the different wand types

Benefit They're Real!

• I also wrote a review of this one recently and am really coming around to it. Separates the lashes and adds amazing length.

I think I'm actually doing pretty well with only 3 full size and 4 smaller sized mascaras at the moment! 

I hope you enjoyed this post and if you're in the market for a new mascara gave you a good idea of what to try next.

xx Cat ^.^

Quickie Review: Benefit They're Real! Mascara

Everyone and their mum has this mascara which can even be seen in sale statistics - They're Real! was the no.1 selling mascara at Myer in the 12 months ending July 2013. I have received a deluxe sample size in the past but just gave it to my sister because I really don't like plastic bristles on mascara wands. After receiving another sample from Benefit the other week I decided to give it another go.

Image sourced from http://www.jennasuth.com/2013/05/free-benefit-theyre-real-mascara.html

I love the way this mascara makes my lashes look. It creates amazing length and curls really well too. It also gives just the perfect amount of volume and is super easy to build up when applying more than one coat. I also love the little ball at the end of the wand which is actually really useful for using on the bottom lashes.

Although this is undoubtedly a fantastic mascara and a lot of people swear by it, I really just can't get over the small plastic bristles. While I'm impressed with the result I don't see myself ever purchasing the full size of They're Real mascara as I feel like I can get the same effect with other mascaras and don't have to put myself through the trauma of using tiny plastic bristles.

Note that mascara is definitely a product that works specifically for different people - so if you prefer plastic bristles I'm sure you will fall in love with this mascara!

xx Cat ^.^