The best makeup tool you will ever get for under $5

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October 28, 2014

If you read any of my previous posts you know by now that I love spending time and money on eye makeup, so the fact that my favorite little tool is a mascara aid should come to no one’s surprise. I can’t take credit for finding this but I do want to spread the word about this fantastic little device (that I could only find online). It is a GAME CHANGER for your mascara. If you’re like me (impatient, heavy handed with mascara) you end up getting half of your application on your top lid or a lovely raccoon smudge marks below your bottom lashes. Both are very attractive looks :). The bigger the brush (and you know by now I love me some big brush action) the less control you have over exactly where that mascara is going. This does not stop me from using it but it does create the need for the little mascara guide below. It is small plastic wand that you place right behind the lashes so that when you apply your mascara, it catches all the excess formula leaving your lids and under eyes clean. Genius! Yes, it does look complicated but it completely makes sense. Each end is specified for the top or bottom lashes and holds your lashes in place while you apply your mascara. The best part? Its super cheap! The most expensive I found was five bucks, with the cheapest being about 2. This is really the best thing you will ever purchase for this little money for your eyes – you will definitely thank me later! Click on the image below to purchase and let me know what you think!

Maureen

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The Power of Saying No… and Return policies if you just can’t

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October 25, 2014

How many of us have had this situation happen? You’re at the makeup counter, you’re not loving what the sales person has put on you but you smile and say “Oh, yes, you’re right, that looks pretty” or “Yes, I see the change in xyz” and are thinking the entire time “This is not for me, get it off my face now, please”. But the person is so nice and you are afraid of hurting their feelings so the next thing you know you have purchased it? Sound familiar? No? Well then bless your heart you are a stronger person than I am. I have fallen victim to this situation I don’t know how many times. I come home and say “Why did I buy this?”. I feel bad because 1. I think that person is the expert and 2. they have often spent so much time with me I feel that I need to purchase something. Friends, learn from my mistakes. This only leads to a sad bag of unused, resentful makeup you look at everyday and say “Why?” and become angry every time you see it. Or maybe that’s just me.

Don’t be afraid to say no. Don’t be afraid to say what you’re really feeling as long as it is polite. Saying something like “I want to see how it looks in different lights” or “let me think about it” is a perfectly good thing to say someone. Yes, sometimes these people are pushy (they might work on commission) but remember that it is your money, not theirs that is being taken into consideration. Don’t get into the mindset     “its only x dollars, so I won’t worry about it” because you could have saved that or purchased something you were really happy with. Remember, we work too darn hard to purchase things we are only half-hearted about it. When you have this experience, walk away or be polite and say no.

For those of you who just can’t, I understand. That’s why return policies are for! I would rather have you return something you hate than keep something that will be unused and wasted. Remember this: You can return almost anything. That’s right. Not sure? Ask what the store’s return policy is. Most department stores will have policies like you need to return unopened with the receipt. Sephora has an amazing return policy. Even if you don’t have the receipt you can return it (used or unused) for store credit, how great is that? When I worked there, we never even questioned a return – it would just get thrown into a box of half-used products. Also something I want you to think about – department stores are not the only ones who have great policies – CVS, Target, Walmart and Walgreens are right there with them. I know what you ‘re thinking- things are so cheap why would you return it. Well, prices are going up at big box and drug stores. Mascara is up to $15 with foundation at the same price. Lipstick is $9 as well as nail polish. That’s no chump change, at least not to me. Bought the wrong color or hate the product? You can return it, as long as you have kept the receipt. Don’t be afraid – those stores offer lower prices than the department and specialty stores but you are unable to try out the products so you have to make the best guess you can.

My point to all this is I want you to be happy with what you have purchased. Whichever option is right for you is fine, just please don’t keep the product. Remember I’m there with you – either saying no thank you or driving across town to avoid the seeing the original sales person who sold you the product so you don’t hurt their feelings when you return it 🙂

Happy Returns!

Maureen

Batten down the lashes – another mascara post

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October 14, 2014

When I was mascara shopping with my mother this weekend at Sephora I realized I forgot to write about two breakthrough mascaras that have come across my path and should not be ignored. I can’t believe I forgot to mention these, especially since I use one every day. See below 🙂

Lash Genius by Anastasia Makeup

Anastasia Beverly Hills - Lash Genius Waterproof Topcoat

Anastasia Beverly Hills – Lash Genius Waterproof Topcoat

 

Honestly, I don’t remember how I found out about this mascara but it has made daily mascara use easy now. This is a makeup line known for its eye brow products and you can use this product on your brows as well (as long as you don’t have any black mascara on it). This is a great clear, waterproof mascara that I put on after my black mascara has dried. Why do I do this? Because as I have mentioned before I have watery eyes and if I don’t put this on I have raccoon eyes by noon. Waterproof mascaras of the versions I like don’t work for me and they are very hard to remove. I like something that will come off easily with water (plus I don’t want to lose any lashes I already have!) and this does. Also, this allows me to wear whatever mascara I want without having to worry if there is a waterproof version available. Great product and great find!

Available at Sephora.

Also noteworthy is (yet another) Too Faced Better than False Lashes Nylon Extension System

Too Faced - Better Than False Lashes Nylon Lash Extension System

Too Faced – Better Than False Lashes Nylon Lash Extension System

 

So this is a little high maintenance and takes a bit of time, so if that is not for you, I completely understand. What you get though is really long lashes that go up to your eyebrow. To me, that is worth the $35 for the set. You start with the black mascara and then put the white mascara (which isn’t actually mascara, its little white nylon lashes that attach to your lashes and the mascara) and then reapply the black mascara. I’m telling you, the difference is very noticeable and your lashes really do look fake. I did a side by side test and the line’s Better Than Sex was almost as good, plus it was a little more black and glossy. Either way I don’t think you can go wrong here. Proving again, Too Faced has some great mascaras!

Available at Sephora.

Happy Fluttering,

Maureen

Bang, Bang

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October 13, 2014

Two weeks ago, I made an important decision. It was time to go back to bangs. As many of my coworkers, girlfriends and poor fiance know, I am growing my hair out for my wedding in June of 2015. I’m taking hair and nail vitamins, deep conditioning and ACTUALLY getting regular trims (I can’t remember the last time I did this religiously). I’m trying as hard as I can to get any extra length I can so that I can wear my hair down in luscious waves on the big day. I love when I see brides with their hair down- its so feminine and youthful.

That being said, up until now the only thing I could change to my hair has been the color. And boy have I changed it. Last year I went from blonde (with bangs) to growing them out and parting down the middle to red to brown to my last update- ombre (which I did myself, thank you very much). As I was getting tired of the ombre I started toying around with the idea of bangs again. I loved the last time I had them for a few reasons. 1. Your hair always looks “done”. Even when you have your hair up in a messy bun and you put no effort into it, when you have bangs, your hair looks a little more polished and put together. 2. It draws attention to the eyes (and if you have read my previous posts you know I love the eyes and lashes). 3. You can wear a little less make up and it covers forehead imperfections. Have a pimple or an oily forehead? No worries – bangs hide them! As excited as I was, I did consult some special loved ones who I knew would tell me the truth, not just want I wanted to hear (you know who you are). So two weeks ago I went for the big cut and I am so glad I did. I even came up with a new, more relaxed style that I like for my wedding day (see Jennifer Garner below). Even my mother gave me thumbs up when she saw me this weekend and I know if I get Kathy’s approval, we are good to go 🙂

Thinking about taking the plunge? If my words didn’t encourage you above, please see the gorgeous reasons below as to why you should. And remember, its only hair – if you want a change, go for it. It will always grow back.

Maureen

Wedding Inspiration – look how gorgeous this hair is! I can’t stand it!

Sleek and smooth – how cool is this ombre straight and sleek style?

Long Straight Brown Ombre Hairstyle with Blunt Bangs

Super-thick with tousled waves – Rose looks so much better with bangs.

lob with bangs - Google Search

Bangs with an updo – check out those lashes!

Hannah Simone at the 2014 SAG Awards: http://beautyeditor.ca/2014/01/20/sag-awards-2014/

And last but not least…. no, she doesn’t have bangs but since we’re talking about hair can we all hale to the queen of hair? If you know me, you know how crazy I am about this woman and her hair. I love her, I love her, I love her.

Jennifer Aniston

Secret Weapon

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October 7, 2014

When I was a little girl, my mother (a former hairdresser) led me to believe that I had thick, polka-straight hair. She would tell me this every time I told her I wanted a perm just like my best-friend in third grade. I was so envious of these bouncy, glossy tendrils. So you can imagine my surprise when in my late teens a hairdresser told me that I actually had fine, wavy hair like my dad. Kathy had lied to me all these years! And I hadn’t realized it because she had been blow-drying my hair straight my entire childhood so I never thought to question her (side note this would take place while watching new episodes of Life Goes On on the edge of my mom’s bed while she blow-dried my hair straight with an old-school Vidal Sasoon hair dryer that had a brush IN it – genius. Some of my greatest memories were sitting on the edge that bed on Sunday nights, hanging with my mom and watching what issue Becca and Corky were dealing with that week).

After learning that I actually had wavy hair that wasn’t thick (it is fine but I have a lot of it) I learned to embrace my natural wave, especially in the summer when the weather gets warmer. But I do enjoy wearing my hair straight for the most part. Here is where my secret weapon comes in. People often think I have naturally straight hair but I don’t – my straightener just does a really great job. And the best part is its simple to use and takes almost no time. I have used a ton of straighteners throughout high school, college and I confess even now I have a total of four (I know-I don’t even know why I need four) but this is the one I always go back to. I can’t take credit for finding it – I was a sophomore at college when my roommate who actually DID have really thick hair got this straightener and I tried it on myself. I was hooked instantly. Since that time I have had to only replace it once, which is pretty much unheard of. The plates are very wide, it only has one setting, and my favorite part of all – it has a comb in the straightener to keep your hair taught. I can’t say enough about this trusty thing – it really is so easy to use and holds up well year after year. The only downside is that you can’t find it in stores – you have to order it online but hopefully this review of it will  give you the push to try it if you are looking for a new straightener. Below is an image of mine but upon looking this up it looks like the exact model might be discontinued or the brand has upgraded their model to the silver one in the link below. I have a smaller version of the one below when I cut my hair short and it works just as well!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fransen-Futura-Straighteners-Super-Ceramic/dp/B002KLULOM/ref=pd_cp_beauty_1

Any questions, let me know.

Happy Straightening!

Maureen

bareMinerals bareskin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation

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October 5, 2014

Get this. Immediately.

When I saw ads for this I couldn’t WAIT to try it. I love the original powder foundation but was very interested to see how the company who has built it’s empire on mineral powder products would develop a liquid foundation. Let me tell you – its wonderful! The bottle is smaller than expected and yes you do have to  apply it with the special brush that has hollowed out section where you input the foundation. Here is the thing though – you only use two drops of foundation for every use! That’s it! Totally worth it. You shake the bottle, drop two drops into the brush and then buff into your skin and you’re done. The result is a dewy sheen with medium coverage. I still apply primer and under eye concealer before as well. As far as the feel, its not heavy at all, much like their powder foundation. I still use the line’s Mineral Veil after my blush to soften the edges and have my look appear my air brushed and less make up-y. I would say if you like the line’s original powder foundation or if you use liquid foundation and are looking for a change – definitely try this out. I really think you will be pleased. Also – remember if you purchase at Sephora and you end up hating it, you can always bring it back, receipt or no receipt. If you have tried it, let me know what you think!

Maureen

The Eyes Have It

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September 18, 2014

Everyone has their favorite feature, either on themselves or other people that they are drawn to. For me, it’s actually two – nails and lashes. I could go on and on about my love of hands, nail beds and shapes of nails but for this post I will focus my attention on my other favorite, which I equally love. If you know me well, you know one of my vices is always trying to find the newest and best mascara out there on the market. When it comes to lashes, I sadly don’t have a budget either. I will spend up to $40 for a tube if I think it’s going to transform my lashes dramatically. I was lucky enough to be blessed with naturally long lashes to begin with, although they are light brown and not very noticeable without mascara. That being said, I like to make them the longest, thickest, most dramatic I can without adding actual false lashes. I am sucker for good advertising (despite being a marketing major in college). I mean a real sucker, people. Pantene has gotten me so many times to re-purchase their products based on their gorgeous ads, even though I know each time its too heavy for my strands. Each time I think “this will be the time I am converted” and each time I am wrong. But I digress. Back to the eyes.

I wanted to share with you some of my all-time favorite mascaras, along with my newest find. If you’re looking for a new tube or formula, chances are I have probably tried it along the way so feel free to ask me what I thought before you purchase.

Newest find: Loreal Paris Voluminous Miss Manga Mascara

undefined - Eyes - L'Oreal Paris

When I saw this ad, I KNEW I had to try this. I love ’60s mod lashes from the models like Twiggy that look doll-ish and wide-eyed. This mascara definitely achieves that, although with a slowly-applied two – three coats. The brush is cone-shaped so that you can get the inner lashes as well as the bottom lashes coated with the samebrush as you would use to coat your main top ones. I really like this mascara, as I have liked most Loreal mascaras. I think for a drugstore brand they are top-knotch. Also a little known fact-they are all the same mascaras as Lancome! Shhh!

Former Love: Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

This is the second mascara I have loved from Too Faced, the first being LashInjection. I used to be crazy about that mascara, which had a huge fat brush and a formula that would elongate your lashes with tubes around them in one step. This was great for me because my eyes tear up a lot as they are a bit sensitive and then around noon I have racoon eyes. Not cool. Anyways, for some reason Too Faced took this off the market for awhile and when they brought it back to my (and many other users) dismay, they changed the formula and it has not been the same. I had read good reviews about their Better Than Sex mascara that debuted last year in a pink tube (my favorite color) and promised big, lush lashes. I really love this formula as well as the brush, which is large as well. I don’t know if its Better than Sex, but it sure is a good mascara and not too pricey for a department/specialty store mascara. If you’re looking for big and bold lashes, give it a try!

Another Drugstore Superstar: Maybelline Volum’ Express The Falsies

Volum' Express® Falsies Flared™ Washable

I am not the only person I know who was a fan of this mascara and since then they have come out with more versions of the original, including my favorite, the Flared version. This is a great, inexpensive mascara that provides good volume, length as well as curl. I don’t know that I have found or used another mascara that provided a curl hold as good as this one. My reason for switching (besides the fact that I have mascara OCD and always have to try the newest product out there) is my raccoon eye problem stated above. I tried using the waterproof version of this but as most people find the waterproof versions of mascaras are not always exactly like the original and are extremely hard to remove. If you don’t have problems like me with teary eyes, I would give this a go.

Former Love Affairs: I approve all the below – you won’t be disappointed!

  • MakeUp Forever Smoky Lash – dark, pigmented lash that provides volume and curl. Great price for a department store mascara and many colors available now. Only sold at Sephora though!
  • Trish McEvoy Lash Curling AND High Volume Mascaras – both provide tubes that go around the lash, like a sock that washes off with warm water.
  • Loreal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Two Step Mascara – one of the first tubular mascaras that came on the market and is still out there! These will truly make your lashes almost touch your eyebrows- my only complaint is that it doesn’t thicken them as well (sorry, I am high maintenance and want everything 🙂 )

What mascara do you love?

Maureen

My very first post!

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September 15, 2014

Good evening, everyone!

I am very excited about finally getting this blog underway. For a long time I have wanted to do something with makeup- giving my opinion on new products as well sharing my favorite finds and long-time staples. Makeup is exciting and allows us to transform ourselves instantly with little effort. In my blog I plan to share with you news on new trends and products but mainly focus on my favorite looks which I always gravitate to. I hope you enjoy reading and hopefully I will either help you either a new product… or avoid picking something I have found doesn’t work.

Maureen