Benefit Roller Lash: Review

Hey everyone! I know you guys have been waiting for my thoughts on Benefit's Roller Lash!

 

 Let us start with these 'claims'. 

For $24 you get a mascara that supposedly "lifts and super curls lashes", "holds curl for 12 hours" and "removes easily". It has a special hook and lift brush that mimics those old school hair rollers. The packaging is really cute...but am I smitten?

 

The brush is probably the coolest part of the product. It has a slight curve to it, but it is a small brush, with longer, wider spaced brushes on one side, and shorter, denser ones on the other. This design makes it easy to do lower lashes and it is definitely not as spiky as 'They're Real', so it doesn't hurt your eyes. I do think the brush shape helps lift the lashes well.

Roller Lash gives great definition and I do believe it helps hold a curl. But please...it does not work miracles. I have seen reviews out there of people saying it transformed their stick straight lashes into curly wonders WITHOUT an eyelash curler. That is not what this mascara claims to do. It just helps to hold the curl and I do feel it does, but when I tried it without my lash curler, I did not get results. The curl does fall a bit over the day, but that could just be my lashes.

 The formula is a good consistency and very black, which I like. Because the wand is smaller, I am able to control it better and get the results I want. I do not have any flaking or smudging and it does remove easily. 

Here are my lashes with an extra coat (beware, it can get clumpy after one) and at the end of the day. There is still good lift, but don't expect this mascara to do it all. Definition and lift, but no real volume here.

Overall, I am happy with Roller Lash. It does what it says if you ignore the crazy language of 'super curl', is comfortable to wear, and easy to apply. Is this going to free you from your lash curler? No way. Is this the mascara of your dreams? Probably not. Hey, I am just being honest. I won't over-hype something. I am satisfied, but not jumping up and down. 

What do you think? Will you be lifting your lashes with Roller Girl?

Lancôme Grandiose Mascara Review

This review is long overdo, but that means that I have had over a month testing this mascara and finally have my thoughts in order.

 Lancôme Grandiose mascara has a hefty price tag at $32. Is it worth it? Let's find out.

What It Claims

• Swan neck to get to all lashes and make them bigger and fanned out
• Deep black color
• Long-lasting
• Easy removal
• Lasts for four months in tube instead of the usual three

 First of all, the tube is gorgeous. It has been written about so many times by bloggers that I won't bore you, but it is a joy to use every morning and fits very comfortably in my hand.

To me, the wand is a bit shorter than most mascara wands because of the unique Swan Neck curve to it. But I do not think this is a gimmick. It takes a bit of a learning curve to use, but once you find your groove, you really can coat every lash and fan them out.

It has a really gorgeous, rich black color, holds curl fairly well for about 7 hours on me, and creates good length and volume. Is it the best my lashes have looked? No. But almost...

Why this is worth it to me

• Stays all day and does not smudge (have worn in extreme heat and very rainy London 12 hour days)
• Non-irritating and removes easily
• My lashes look special and really good. Not too over the top, but more stand-out than average
• I have not reached for another mascara to 'switch things up'

Therefore, $32 is worth it for me at this time. 32/4 = $8, which is what I normally spend on mascara per month anyway (having three-five drugstore mascaras that I switch between).

If you want to be loyal to one mascara, this is a good bang for your buck and I really do love it on my lashes. I think I will still look for my HG mascara, but for the next three months, this will be my one!

Have you tried it? Thoughts?

Better Than...Not Much Actually

I may be exaggerating a bit with this title, but I am not in the camp that thinks the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara is anything to write home about.

 

 But if you have tried it and it worked for your lashes...head's up: Ulta is selling a full size and a deluxe size pack for $23! (shown above)

 The pink tube is cute, I get that, and the brush is kinda cool (meant to mimic the curves of a woman and supposedly based on Marilyn Monroe's curves), but I was really hoping for a new HG mascara.

 

It is great to see that the brushes for the full size and the deluxe are the same. There is nothing worse than running into a deluxe size that has a slightly 'off' brush. The handle is really weighty and I like the feel of it in my hands. Usually I shy away from curvy, gimmicky brushes but this one fits nicely against the eye.

 This smears horribly on the upper lashline (as you can see in this picture). The color is very black, which is great, but it does the same thing any Covergirl mascara has done for me---slightly thicken and darken. It starts to flake on me after 9 hours and it does not hold a curl.

Sadly, Better Than Sex wasn't even 'Good Enough' for me.

Have you tried this mascara?

Mally Volumizing Mascara Review

Mally Volumizing mascara ($20) has rapidly become a cult favorite in the beauty world. I love Mally and was introduced to her when my mom ordered some of her products on QVC years ago. I love her vibrant energy and I like most of the products I've tried, but was definitely excited about her mascara.

This is a very buildable formula and I love that the black really is a deep and glossy black!

I love the brush on this mascara as well. I normally shy away from the crazy oversized brushes or the brushes with dips and curves and torture-device like ends. This is medium-sized and uniform and holds a lot of product.

Above is two coats on my lashes. This mascara doesn't clump easily, but the only thing I dislike is that it is wet enough that is sometimes gets onto the lash line during application. I always wear liner, so it is easily covered, but if you don't, take this into consideration. I have also had several tubes of this and there are some inconsistencies between tubes. Some are wetter, some build really well and others do not. That is my one concern with this mascara.

This mascara lasts all day on me and doesn't flake or irritate my eyes. It is a bit hard to remove, so use an oil-based eye makeup remover.

If you haven't tried this formula, I suggest picking it up at QVC or Ulta. QVC has a 30 day money back no questions asked return policy, so it is a great way to try her stuff!

Are you a fan of Mally products or her mascara?

The Fair Foundation Files and My Take on a Classic Look for Spring

The extensive testing process is over and I have come to a lot of conclusions about Rimmel's Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation in shade 010 Light Porcelain (retail $4.99 at Ulta, but I received it complimentary from Influenster).

So, what does this wunderkind have to offer us?

• Cheap price tag at around $5 depending on location
• No added fragrance as far as I can tell
• Totally matte
• Fun mousse texture
• Lots of light shades

It claims to offer 'lightweight shine control' as well, but we will get to that claim.

The texture of this is a mousse and is very fluffy, so you will think you need more when you actually don't. A little goes a long way---a lot gets cakey fast. This can be used with fingers, a BB, a flat brush, or a round foundation brush. I have tried all methods and they all basically work the same.

Here is me wearing Stay Matte in Light Porcelain all over my face. It almost covers my hardcore cheek hormonal blemishes, but a little dab of concealer fixes them right up. I just wanted to show you with only this product.

You really need to moisturize and prime well. Even if you have oily skin, this will get into every pore and every fine line. But if you prep well, this can have great results.

My results have been nothing less than spectacular. For over a week, this foundation (Clinique moisturizer and primer underneath) has keep me completely shine/oil free for 12-15 hour days. I have worn this during busy work and school days and I also wore it to a 95 degree day at the Huntington Library (for you non-Californians, it is beautiful, but mostly outside and was hotter than the sun that day). No shine whatsoever. 

But before you go running out and buying this, I have a few words of advice....

This may work for me, but I feel this will probably be a seasonal product for me. It takes a ton of prep time for me to look flawless with it (I have larger pores and my cheeks run drier). Also, I do not see this as 'lightweight'. It certainly isn't heavy, but I would say you can feel it on your skin.

Also keep in mind that this tends to oxidize in my experience about half a shade. If you have a chance, try a test patch on your skin first. Ulta let me return the first shade I bought before the Influenster box with no problem (that shade was Light Ivory, the next one up from this, and ran too yellow).

Overall: If you are drier on at least 50% of your face or have a lot of fine lines, this might be a nightmare for you. Oily girls...grab this and throw away your blotting linens forever.

Now, onto the fun stuff...I decided to make a look for Influenster and @RimmelLondonUS for the #StayMatteSwitch movement.

This is my twist on a classic look---for Spring! Substituting my normal red lip for something pinker and of course, matte skin!

What I Used:

1. Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation in Light Porcelain ($4.99)

2. Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Creamy Natural ($4.99)

3. Clique Cheek Pop blush in Peach Pop ($21)

4. Benefit They're Real Mascara ($23)

5. Josie Maran Argan Creamy Concealer Crayon in Fair ($20)

6. Nude browbone shadow from Wet N Wild 'Drinking a Glass of Shine' Palette ($4)

7. NYX Collection Noir Liquid Black Liner ($5.99)

8. Benefit Gimme Brow in Light/Medium ($22)

9. Lipstick Queen Chinatown Glossy Pencil in Chase ($22)

This is a routine I rely on for early morning to still feel fun and fresh

1. Prime, get that foundation on your face---any way you like---and then conceal!

2. Set with powder

3. A little blush on the apple of your cheeks. Something dewy works well!

4. Curl lashes and apply mascara

5. A nude matte wash of shadow on your lid is simple and a no-makeup look

6. A liquid liner baby cat eye keeps things classic

7. A hint of brow keeps things looking put together

8. And a glossy coral pout keeps things fresh!

What is your go-to Spring look?

NYX Lush Lashes Mascara in Voluptuous

NYX has been releasing a slew of new products lately, which is awesome! I love that they are affordable and cruelty-free and have cute packaging. For me, their products have been mostly hits with some misses. I was really crossing my fingers for a hit with this $6.99 mascara.

There is no smell to this (which is specifically stated as new to this formulation) and it seems as if the formula is all the same, except the brush changes depending on which one you buy (this is just my observation, not something stated by NYX). I love bigger brushes, so I chose the fluffy voluptuous wand. 

The formula is rather dry, which I normally like. This means no flaking or smearing and it lasts all day on me.So what's the catch?Well, it isn't volumizing at all. It really does nothing but provide a bit of separation and a bit of dark color. That's all.

The best I can say about this is that it makes for a great natural look...but I wouldn't waste the money, at least not on the volumizing one. Some of the other brushes look promising!

Have you tried this new line of mascaras from NYX?

NYX Lush Lashes Mascara in Voluptuous

NYX has been releasing a slew of new products lately, which is awesome! I love that they are affordable and cruelty-free and have cute packaging.  For me, their products have been mostly hits with some misses. I was really crossing my fingers for a hit with this $6.99 mascara.

There is no smell to this (which is specifically stated as new to this formulation) and it seems as if the formula is all the same, except the brush changes depending on which one you buy (this is just my observation, not something stated by NYX). I love bigger brushes, so I chose the fluffy voluptuous wand. 

The formula is rather dry, which I normally like. This means no flaking or smearing and it lasts all day on me. So what's the catch? Well, it isn't volumizing at all. It really does nothing but provide a bit of separation and a bit of dark color. That's all.

The best I can say about this is that it makes for a great natural look...but I wouldn't waste the money, at least not on the volumizing one. Some of the other brushes look promising!

Have you tried this new line of mascaras from NYX?

NYX: Are You DeprEYEved of Long and Full Lashes Mascara Serum

Stop everything you are doing and read. This will change your lashes forever!

 

 

 

This is NYX Are You DeprEYEved of... Long and Full Lashes Mascara Serum in Jet Black. Phew, what a name...but worth the wait. This retails for about $10 and I found it online at Ulta.com. This tube of mascara claims to define your lashes with mascara as well as condition to improve lashes over time.

 

 

I love the brush on this, lots of little bristles, and an oval shape.

 

 

Prescription free featuring peptides combines with lavender oil, arginine, biotin, soy proteins and ginko biloba. Paraben and cruelty-free too!

 

 

Here it is on my lashes with the NYX chocolate liquid liner. It is a pretty standard mascara, deep black, comfortable, non-irritating, and clump free. It also doesn't smudge. Not the best drama in the world,  but what I like is that it is good for your lashes, and will improve mine over time. I recommend starting with this as a base and if you want more drama, layer your favorite mascara over it.

 

 

Here is one coat on my lashes. Pretty right?

 

If you have tired, splitting, or just ho-hum lashes, like mine, consider investing in this mascara. They also have a DeprEYEved lash serum, liquid liner, and brow serum so you can enhance your eyes all day long!

 



 

Totally Panda Approved!

 

 

 

NYX: Are You DeprEYEved of Long and Full Lashes Mascara Serum

Stop everything you are doing and read. This will change your lashes forever!

 

 

 

This is NYX Are You DeprEYEved of... Long and Full Lashes Mascara Serum in Jet Black. Phew, what a name...but worth the wait. This retails for about $10 and I found it online at Ulta.com. This tube of mascara claims to define your lashes with mascara as well as condition to improve lashes over time.

 

 

I love the brush on this, lots of little bristles, and an oval shape.

 

 

Prescription free featuring peptides combines with lavender oil, arginine, biotin, soy proteins and ginko biloba. Paraben and cruelty-free too!

 

 

Here it is on my lashes with the NYX chocolate liquid liner. It is a pretty standard mascara, deep black, comfortable, non-irritating, and clump free. It also doesn't smudge. Not the best drama in the world,  but what I like is that it is good for your lashes, and will improve mine over time. I recommend starting with this as a base and if you want more drama, layer your favorite mascara over it.

 

 

Here is one coat on my lashes. Pretty right?

 

If you have tired, splitting, or just ho-hum lashes, like mine, consider investing in this mascara. They also have a DeprEYEved lash serum, liquid liner, and brow serum so you can enhance your eyes all day long!

 



 

Totally Panda Approved!

 

 

 

Revlon Colorstay Overtime Mascara

Again...my mascara hunt continues...

 

I think I am getting closer to what I want in the drugstore realm though. Check it out!

 

 

Revlon Colorstay Overtime Lengthening Mascara in Blackest Black. For about $8, this mascara claims to last 24 hours, and be tear, sweat, and humidity proof. It needs dual phased makeup remover at the end of the day.

 



 

 

This is for someone who wants length and a tiny bit of volume. What I like about this mascara is that the formula is dry, drier than most I have tried so it is easy to layer and you get no smudges with very little wait time. The con to that is it makes your lashes look a little unhealthy. I like the very long packaging and the thin brush, you can really get the small little lashes.

 

 

Here it is with two coats on my eye. I like the color and the lengthening. This is a good everyday mascara without a lot of drama. It looks natural and is easy to apply. I did not test it for 24 hours because I do not sleep in my mascara, but I have been having terrible allergies and it did not run or smear, so it is tear proof. Good staying power.

 

 

The formula is very different and that makes it easy for me to do my mascara and eyeshadow without waiting around forever. I do wish it did more for my lashes though.

 

Price: 8/10

Performance: 9/10

Color/Wearability: 9/10

Packaging: 10/10

Overall Quality: 8/10

Total: 44/50 = B+ = Pleased Panda

 

Have you tried this? Any drugstore mascara faves?