Saturday, January 16, 2010

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler Review

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
After much research, I decided to try the famed Shu. And I have to admit; this one pretty much lives up to my expectations. It’s sturdy and long lasting; both the tool itself and the curl it gives.  It doesn’t pinch, and it doesn’t pull my lashes either.
Shu Uemura’s website brags:
“Upgraded silicone pad in a new "mushroom" shape provides a protective, stay-put edge for improved safety and optimum curl.”
(The pad on this eyelash curler is great; it’s big, and easy on your lashes. It really protects your lashes from damage.)
“Upgraded patented hinge with precise engineering applies perfect amount of pressure on eyelashes.”
(It does do a good job of regulating pressure on your eyelashes, and hinge always works smoothly)
“Curved angle suits all eye shapes.”
(It does have a nice curve; I can get all my lashes at the same time.)
Pros
Smooth operation
Big, comfy pad means less damage to lashes
Cons
Replacement pads currently aren’t sold, so when yours wear out you’ll have to buy a new curler.  However, most come with two pads total.


Overall, I like this curler! I would buy it again.



Friday, January 15, 2010

Sally Hansen: Diamond Lip Treatment Lip Gloss Review

Sally Hansen Diamond Lip Treatment Lip Gloss
This is one of my early lip gloss purchases. The name of the color, I don’t know, but it was a light, frosty pink. (Pictured in the middle, at right) I honestly don’t like this lip gloss very much. Although it did dazzle, it was pretty sticky. Yuck! If it dried out on my lips and if I reapplied it, it would goop up in yucky globs on my lips.
The applicator is nifty though, a short, paintbrush sort of thing. However, with that format it is a bit of a pain to apply if you’re in a hurry.
Pros
Beautiful, dazzling sparkle
Comes in a great variety of colors
Nice scent
Pretty packaging
Cons
Sticky
Goops up when re-applied
Applicator takes some getting used to
The sparkle can get everywhere if you’re not careful, as with all sparkle glosses.

Overall, this was an ok lip gloss. I probably wouldn’t buy it again.

MaxFactor: Volume Couture Mascara Review


MaxFactor Volume Couture
I bought this from a local department store, it was going out of stock and was on clearance. My Mom also tried it and we both agree that this is a great one. The brush is made out of rubber spikes, and shaped normally; kind of like a cone with the smaller part being on the end. The downside with the rubber spikes is that if you tend to poke yourself with the brush, this one is a bit uncomfortable. The packaging claimed that it would volumize my lashes, and it did! It lifted, lengthened and thickened them. 
Pros
Nice mascara formula
Easy to hold wand
Cool rubber spikes add variety, and work wonderfully
Washes off easily
Seperates lashes well
No flaking or clumping
Cons
Spiky brush hurts if you poke yourself

Overall, I like this mascara! Would buy again J

Lancome: Hypnose Mascara Review

Lancome Hypnose Mascara
I bought this in the sample size, but the brush was full size. I LOVE this mascara….builds volume,  length, curl. The brush holds a huge amount of mascara, and almost every time I used it I ended up with it all over my eyelids, but then again it  was only my second mascara, and I probably wasn’t quite professional at applying it yet.
The brush is fairly long, and slightly bigger than the middle on both ends. The mascara itself washes off nicely, which could be a downfall for gals who have watery eyes.
Pros
Awesome, full brush
Good mascara formula; goes on great, washes off easily
Cons
Can be pricy
It can be messy.

Overall, I love this mascara; it's my favorite so far. I’d buy it again for sure if I didn’t want to keep trying new ones. J


Bare Esentuals: Big Tease Mascara Review



This was the first real mascara I ever got. It’s from Bare Esentuals, so it’s a somewhat healthy mascara. On Spehora’s website, there is quite a few negative reviews, saying that this has a tendency to smudge and make dark circles under your eyes.  However, I had no such experience ever. Although I don’t have really oily eyelids. I’d say this is good, basic mascara. It really doesn’t create huge volume like it brags, but it does a nice job of lifting and defining so your lashes still look natural, just in a better way.
Pros:
Cool and useful brush: short bristles on one side, long on the other
Short handle allows for more precise application
Natural ingredients won’t irritate.
Washes off easily.
Cons:
Doesn’t build up volume like the ad brags.

Overall, I like this mascara. I probably won’t buy it anytime soon though, as I like stuff that builds up my lashes more than this provides.