Mascara review: Benefit's they're real mascara

Hi Everyone,
Sorry for the long hiatus, we moved to a new home and I'm slowly getting unpacked and organized. I still have a few boxes to unpack but it's a point where I can relax a bit and not feel overwhelmed by my chores.

Today I will be reviewing one of my splurges, Yes I caved and I bought Benefit's They're Real mascara. Normally I would never ever buy high end mascara no matter how good the claims to be. Mascaras have a very short shelf life 3 months only, so I definitely didn't to throw away money that quickly. Mascara's are just hits and misses even if there are thousands of raves about a specific product one still doesn't know how it will perform on yourself. Today I saw a sample size of Benefit's they're real mascara at Ulta and decided to get it.

Product Claims:

They're real! lengthens, curls, volumizes, lifts & separates. Our jet black, long-wearing formula won’t smudge or dry out. A specially designed brush reveals lashes you never knew you had!What else you need to know:
94% saw dramatic length & volume*

90% saw base-to-tip curl*

94% saw visible lift*

100% saw long-wearing results*

*Results observed in a consumer panel survey

the brush up close

How to apply
Position wand horizontally & wiggle brush from side to side, base to tip, to achieve maximum volume, length & lift. Hold wand vertically & stroke upward to curl & separate. Layer generously as desired.

Details

8.5 g Net wt. 0.3 oz.

Beauty tip

Want a big, doe-eyed look? Fan corner lashes outward with the custom-domed tip. The precision bristles make it easy!

Product experience:
I bought the sample size it's a tiny mascara for $10 but the full size mascara cost $23. It comes with a rubber bristle brush.

Pros:

• Gives a lot of volume
• The rubber bristle brush was great at separating lashes.
• The ball tip is great at getting hard to reach inner and outer lasher

Cons:

• Very pricey $23 for a full size tube and $10 for travel size
• Can only be purchased at Sephora, Ulta online.
• The brush was rough on my eyelids, I just end up poking my eyelids and sometimes my eyes with the brush
• Takes a while to dry because the brush applies a thick coat of product.
• Feels very heavy and thick on the eyelids

I was not impressed by this mascara, I kept poking my eyes with the wand and that hurts. the results was good. Not worth the price tag for me

Almay oil free make up remover

Hi Everyone,

I hope your doing well, today I will be reviewing the Almay oil free make up remover.




Product Claims:

new look! gentle oil free liquid completely removes all traces of makeup that soap and water can leave behind. botanical blend of aloe, cucumber and green tea sweeps away makeup without irritation. perfect for contact lens wearers. hypoallergenic. fragrance-free. dermatologist tested.

Product experience

The product comes in a clear plastic bottle, you get 4 fl oz of product for $6.18. The product is just a clear liquid, looks just like water.










Pros:

• The product is a clear liquid doesn't need to be shaken up to mix
• Does not leave any greasy residue
• Good for fixing mistakes and cleaning up any eye shadow fall out.
• inexpensive
• Available at drugstores

Cons:

• Not the best of removing waterproof make up or mascara

By far it's not the best at removing really tough water proof mascara or eyeliner but I like it for fixing mistakes and this does not leave any oily residue.

Eucerin Daily moisturizer with SPF

Hi Everyone,

Happy New year, I hope you had enjoyed the holidays and is looking forward to having a fresh start this 2015. To kick off the new year I thought I should start with skin care, since the weather has become cold. My skin has gotten drier, I needed to use a much richer moisturizer so I decided to pick this up from the drugstore

Travel size

Product claims

This lightweight, gentle broad spectrum SPF 30 formula with UVA/UVB sunscreens including zinc oxide and titanium dioxide helps defend against long-term sun damage and also provides effective moisturization.

• Dermatologist recommended
• Provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection
• Fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula moisturizes for 24 hours
• Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and clinically proven safe for sensitive skin

Active Ingredients (sunscreens): Ensulizole 2.0%, Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 4.5%, Titanium Dioxide 2.38%,  Zinc Oxide 4.85%. 

sample

Product experience
I bought the travel size 1 fl oz or 30 ml for $2.99 but the full size is 4 fl oz for $9.99



Pros

• Has SPF 30
• Inexpensive
• Light weight and doesn't leave that tacky heavy feeling

moisturizer after some blending, notice the uneven white cast

Cons

• Takes a while to sink into my skin
• Hard to blend
• Might cause a flash back because of the high sun block
• Leaves a white cast upon initial application so this needs to blended very well

This product makes my pores noticeable


For me this is an okay product, I like that this has a good amount of sun protection but I don't like that the moisturizer leaves a white cast or that the product took a while to sink into my skin

Simple replenishing rich moisturizer

Hi everyone

I hope your doing well and enjoying this cool weather. Lately I've noticed that my skin feels tight even after using my usual moisturizer. This means that my skin is slightly drier than usual. So I needed to switch to a more hydrating moisturizer.

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Product claims

Range: Nourishing

Our Replenishing Rich Moisturizer leaves your skin replenished and nourished all day long, instantly doubling skin's hydration. Plus it's a perfect blend of our purest possible skin loving ingredients with an added vitamin

Simple goodness

1 added vitamin: Pro-Vitamin B5 known to help restore, soften and smooth 

3 skin-loving ingredients: Chamomile known to help gently soften and soothe; Glycerin hydrates and nourishes;Geranium

• No dyes
• No artificial perfumes
• No harsh irritants to upset skin
• Dermatologist tested
• Hypoallergenic
• Non-comedogenic

Features

• Hypoallergenic and Noncomedogenic

Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer contains no dyes, artificial perfumes, or harsh chemicals that can upset skin, so it won't clog pores or feel greasy on your skin. Its hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic formula is dermatologist tested.

• Skin-Loving Ingredients

This rich, creamy moisturizer contains glycerin, allantoin, and bisabolol known to hydrate, calm, and nourish your skin, and leaves you feeling soft and silky.

• Vitamin B5 Known to Replenish and Soften

The moisturizer contains pro-vitamin B5 that is known to help replenish, soften, and smooth skin. 

About Simple

When it comes to gentle yet effective skincare, Simple knows that what is left out is as important as what is put in. Developed in the United Kingdom in 1960, the Simple brand was one of the first to create a cleansing product for sensitive skin with no artificial perfume and no dyes. Today, Simple products are still made with no dyes, artificial perfumes, or harsh chemicals that can upset skin. The UK's number one skincare line, Simple made its US debut in 2012 with a full range of products made with skin-loving ingredients and vitamins designed for natural, healthy-looking skin.

swatch

Product experience.

I started noticing that my skin feels tight even after I've used my usual moisturizer. I needed a moisturizer that's rich enough to but not too greasy or heavy.

I bought mine in a face starter kit, which included a sample of cleanser, facial wipes and this moisturizer for $6.75 at CVS. You get 1.9 fl oz of product. The product comes in this squeeze bottle it has seal on the inside. The product itself looks just like a regular moisturizer. It didn't have any scent.

Pros:

• The texture is light
• Blends easily
• Fragrance free
• Good for layering under make up since the texture is very light
• Doesn't leave a greasy feeling
• Didn't break me out
• Inexpensive
• Available at CVS, Target etc

Cons

• I felt a stinging sensation
• Doesn't have sunscreen

I had such high hopes for this product and it was  a let down. I don't particularly have sensitive skin and yet this product stung in such odd places.

Mirenesse Brush on instant lash transplant volumising

Hi everyone,

I was so excited to see this in the mail I wanted to try this right away. So far the only brand I've seen with this kind of system is Too faced which had a varied review. I wanted to try this system and see if it's better. Who doesn't want full thick lashes 

packaging that doubles as a storage

Product claims:

The sky's the limit!

NEW eyelash innovation with Ionic Technology! Instantly fuses silky black fibers to your own eyelashes to create the look of full volume eyelashes. One application can last up to 24 hrs or more. No flaking, clumping, smearing and no mess easy water removal. Quick and easy to use, brush-on transplanting gel and silky black fibers are so addictive to use, we dare you to stop at 1 layer. 

Mirenesse is a fully Australian-owned family company; our products are all cruelty-free and come with the peace of mind of 30 years' pharmaceutical research.

step 1 base/sealing mascara

Problem:

Thin sparse eyelashes?

Solution:

Easy, brush on black silky 24 hr eyelashes.

New eyelash innovation with ionic technology instantly fuses silky black fibers to you own eyelashes to create the look of full volume eyelashes. One application can last up to 24 hrs. No flaking, clumping, smearing and no mess easy water removal. Quick and easy to use,  complete 30 sex DIY lash extension kit so addictive to use we dare you to stop at one

base/sealing mascara brush

Application

Apply Transplant Gel (1) to one eye at a time - Coat tips of the lashes with tip of the brush, then wiggle the mascara brush from base of lashes to tips. 

Brush on Silky Black Lash Fibres (2) before gel sets. Start at the base of the eyelashes & brush upwards. Re-apply Transplant Gel (1) to secure fibres. 

Comb through with the eyelash comb (3) to perfect your look. For extra volume effect reapply the Transplant Gel (1) + Fibres(2), Transplant Gel (1)+Comb again 

No mess + easy warm water removal. Wet the eyelashes then apply gentle pressure with a wet cotton pad, transplanted lashes simply slide off 

Designed especially for sensitive eyes. Please discontinue use if you experience any irritation.

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Product experience:

The products comes in this compact packaging that also can serve as storage unit.You get a tube of base/sealing mascara, a tube of fiber extensions and lash comb with spoolie. I paid $35 for the entire thing at hautelook on the regular price $44.00

Step 1. The base/sealing mascara has a unique brush. It's dual sided there is a flat side and long side.I found the base mascara is very lengthening on it's own.

Step 2. The fiber extension mascara has a narrow bristle brush and can be loaded with dark fibers.

Step 3. The spoolie and lash comb, the lash comb is made of plastic and has tapered tip.

The idea is that you coat your lashes with the mascara followed by the fiber extensions then followed by the mascara the. Brush or comb out the clumps in between applications

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Pros

• Very lengthening
• Easy to use 3 step system
• Everything you need comes in the kit, mascara, fiber extensions and lash comb/spoolie.
• All the product the base and fiber mascara is colored black.
• Feels very light on the eyelashes even with a lot layers of product on.
• Less is more 2 layers is enough to lengthen define. Any more than that and it gets very clumpy
• Easy to remove
• Has a nice durable packaging that serves as a storage unit

step 2 fiber

Cons:

• Has a lot of fall out from the fiber and the fall out is noticeable because the fibers are colored black.
• Clumps easily so make sure to comb through your lashes in between application and even after a few hours of wear.
• The base coat doesn't set this makes your lashes want to stick together even after a few hours have passed
• Not for someone with sensitive eyes or contact wearers because the fibers drop down and can get in your eyes and irritate them
• Expensive on sale it cost $44.00 on hautelook is cost $35.00
• Hard to find, can only be purchased online at miranesse.com, ebay, amazon

silky lash fiber extensions

lash comb and spoolie

1 coat of base and fiber

two coats and fall out from the fiber extension

3 coats

3 coats and it is very clumpy I had to work hard combing my lashes and removing the excess fibers

Nothing beats wearing false lashes to make sparse lashes full and beautiful. This is a good product but it will not give you the false lash effect that you are looking for. Save your money and invest it in Latisse or those nice mink lashes.

Skin care review: Dr Brandt Pores no more Vacuum cleaner

Hi Everyone,

I hope your doing well today and enjoy the nice cool weather. I must confess that I caved, and decided to buy the Dr. Brandt Pores No More Vacuum cleaner black head extractor. I have been eyeing this product for a very long time. What stopped me in the past was the hefty price tag but today I decided to splurge a little bit pick this guy up.

packaging

Product Claims:
Benefits:

• Extracts dirt, excess oil and absorbs sebum.
• Helps loosen blackheads and unclog pores.
• Exfoliates and softens skin's texture.
• Helps tighten pores.

Additional Benefits:

• Unclogs and purifies pores.
• Refines skin's smoothness and texture.
• Clinical study on 25 women ages 20-40 saw over a 32% reduction of blackheads and 45% reduction of oil production in 2 weeks.

Key Ingredients:

• Silicone Dioxide: mineral powder.
• Salicylic acid: Beta hydroxy acid that breaks apart oil and dirt within the pore.
• Glycolic acid: Alpha hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane.
• Eijitsu Rose: extract from the Japanese rose.

Dr. Brandt recommends: After cleansing with pores no more cleanser, apply a thin layer to areas of concern. Avoid eyes. Leave on 5 to 10 minutes until dry and product turns light blue. A cooling sensation will occur. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Can be used 2-3 times per week for maximum results or as needed.
Follow with pores no more pore refiner for maximum effectiveness.

swatch

Product experience:
The product comes in a 1 oz. or 30 g squeeze tube for a steep price of $45 , to use just take a small amount and spread the product onto clean skin. Wait 5 to 10 minutes till the product dries and turns light blue and then rinse.

The product is a clear colorless gel creme, It is easy to blend but since it's colorless it is hard to see where I have applied the product. The product contains a mild fragrance reminds me of an astringent. It's nothing too annoying but enough for me to know that I have this stuff on my face.

When I first applied the product, I noticed a cooling sensation with a slight tightening feeling. The product does sting a little bit upon initial application but it goes away quickly.
There is a tight feeling around the edges where I applied the gel. The gel turns a light powdery blue when it is completely dry.

The product is very potent, I noticed that it shrunk my pore size after my first use. I have used this product once every couple of weeks. Usually my pores become larger  in a few days time after using a pore strips but it didn't happen with this product.

swatch  blended out

Pros:

• The product is very potent cleaned out my enlarged pores after first use.
• Can be used on black heads and white heads as well.
• Shrinks pore after initial use.
• Keeps pores tight weeks after first use.
• The product contains a color indicator, allowing the user to know when the product can be cleaned or taken off.
• Colorless gel/cream nothing scary looking.

Cons:

• The price this little tube cost $45 USD that's a bit steep.
• Availability, so far I've only seen this product and brand at Sephora or Ulta. You can purchase this online at drbrandtskincare.com, sephora.com or ulta.com. Sometimes you will find this brand and product at hautelook.com but you have to be fast, this product sells out quickly.
• The product stings a little bit, only during initial application but it quickly goes away.
• There is a cooling sensation as the product dries and stays a little longer even has been taken off.
• There is a mild astringent like scent.
• If you have really large and deep black heads this product might not work. I have a few on my face that this just can't dissolve.

swatch drying out, the color is a light blue but on camera it looks white

I love this product and if your like me you have large pores around your nose and a little on the cheek area this product is a must. Yes it is on the expensive side but product is so potent, it cleans and shrinks your pores after one use. You don't need to use this more than once or twice a week as recommended usage. My pores size remained the same a few weeks after using this product.

Up n up eye make up remover pads

Hi everyone,

I hope your doing well today I will be reviewing the brand Up n up eye make up remover pads. I like using make up wipes to remove make up so I'm always in the hunt for something that works and inexpensive.

Product claims:

Helps remove makeup on contact including waterproof mascara these soft textured pads are gentle and soft for all skin types premoistened wipe swipes

Fragrance free

Hypoallergenic 

Dermatologist tested

Product Experience:

The product comes in a plastic container with a resealable plastic tab. You get 30 pads of wipes for $2.99

The sheet is like any other make up remover sheets, its white has a quilted side and a smooth side. It about 2.5 by 2.5 in

Pros:

• The solution did not sting my eye or skin around my eye.
• Sheets has a quilted textured side and smooth side.
• The sheets are quite soft even the quilted side
• Does not leave greasy residue
• Good for fixing mistakes or cleaning up under the eyes especially if your using dark eye shadows
• Convenient for travel, the wipes is in a compact and light weight packaging.
• Inexpensive
• Available at Target

Cons:

• The sheets are not saturated enough with solution. I find I'm still have to let the patch sit of my eye for a few minutes to avoid rubbing.
• It's not very good at removing mascara or water proof eyeliner. I find that I still need to use a different make up remover to remove the stubborn mascara and waterproof eyeliner.
• I have to store this inside a Ziploc bag to prevent the product from drying out. The resealable plastic tab wears off easily and doesn't seal the product well.

Over all this is an okay product, it won't thoroughly clean off every single bit of make up on your eyes. What I think it's good for is cleaning up eye shadow fall out or fixing mistakes. You wouldn't have to waste a big sheet of make up remover just to clean up any mistakes.