My Top Mascara Picks: Dior, L'Oreal, CoverGirl and Make Up For Ever

I've been on a roll lately with my product reviews so I thought I would continue my review-a-thon with a post about my favorite mascaras.  Plural, because, uh, I love too many of them to choose just one.

From L-R
(please note that I only use waterproof mascaras. I don't like any formulas that aren't waterproof)

Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara, Waterproof, Very Black
The CG Lash Blast is a great mascara overall. I wouldn't say it's my favorite of all of the ones I own, but I love it. It goes on nicely, doesn't clump and defines, thickens and lengthens lashes. It's a great bet if you're trying to find a great drugstore mascara. I tend to like a dry formula and this is dry, but not as dry as some of the other mascaras I love.

DiorShow Iconic Mascara, Waterproof, Black
This mascara, in my opinion works best on the lower lashes.  I actually only use it for that. There's something about the way the brush is shaped and the formula that is just an excellent fit for defining those lower lashes. it stays on all day, doesn't budge and creates separated, pretty lower lashes without clumps.  Like I mentioned, I don't use this on my upper lashes, because I find other formulas work better for that.  The brush is similar to the lash blast in that it's that rubbery plastic material with those stubby-like bristles.

DiorShow Mascara, Waterproof, Black
DiorShow was the first luxury mascara I ever bought.  I think the massive brush is what makes this a standout product (it also has a rose water smell but after awhile you don't notice it at all.)  I think this mascara has everything you'd want in a mascara- length, staying power, thickness.  It really creates those long, lush lashes we all hope for.  It takes some getting used to at first because the brush is so big, but it's worth it!

L'Oreal Volume Collagen Mascara, Waterproof, Blackest Black
This mascara is definitely a Holy Grail one for me.  It really creates very full, thick, lovely lashes.  The brush is different---the bristles are kind of all over the place going in different directions which I think it why this mascara really gives a gorgeous look to the lashes.  I can achieve thickness with this mascara in just one coat.  I like big hair, and I like big lashes---and this delivers---volume, thickness and overall just perfect lashes. This is a must-try, IMO.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash, Waterproof, Black

My newest addition, this mascara surprised me (pleasantly.)  I was a little skeptical but after reading all of the rave reviews I just had to try it during Sephora's F&F 20% off sale.  I'm so glad I did.  Out of all of my mascaras, this one definitely gives the most "feathery" lash look. I also notice that it seems to hold curl in my lashes really well.  It doesn't give quite the thickness of some other formulas I use...but it more than makes up for it because of the unique, soft, feathered appearance it gives to lashes. I'm not really sure how this formula creates that look---maybe the brush or the mascara itself, but I really do enjoy it and am glad I purchased it.

I hope this entry was helpful to anyone looking for a new mascara, or on the fence about trying a new product. What are YOUR favorite mascaras?  Share them in the comments below :)

xoxo,

Veronika.

Product Reviews: Urban Decay 24/7 Liner, YSL Touche Eclat, Ole Henriksen Ultimate Eye Lift Gel

I've ordered a lot of products from Sephora lately so I wanted to give a little review to 3 products that I'm really excited about.

For Lining Your Waterline

Number one is Urban Decay's 24/7 Eyeliner in "Zero."  It's actually much better than my Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Eyeliner for the waterline, specifically.  It goes on smooth (almost creamy) and stays put.  I think UD's liner is overall a better product than MUFE's liner, if you're on the fence.  I only use this on my waterline and that's the purpose I bought it for.

To Brighten Your Eyes

I don't really get dark circles, but I do like to brighten my eye area to really make eyes look awake, rested and overall pretty.  I have wanted to try Yves Saint Laurent's Touche Eclat for quite awhile now but couldn't justify the $40 price tag.  What prompted me to finally buy the full size is when I got a sample of it with my first Sephora F&F order. It was love at first application (I have Number 1- Luminous Radiance, by the way.)

I use a fluffy eyeshadow blending brush to blend the product into my under eye area after I've applied it from the actual clicky brush thing that the product comes in.

Touche Eclat is basically a concealer/highlighter that brightens skin and makes eyes look vibrant.  It's pricey, but a fun splurge if you're looking for a great highlighter/concealer.  Please note that if you have dark circles, you will still need to use a regular concealer as this is a brightening/highlight product. It doesn't have heavy coverage, it's very light, almost translucent. 

To Firm Skin Around Your Eyes/Make Eyes Look Rested

About 3 weeks ago, I got a couple of samples of Ole Henriksen Ultimate Lift Eye Gel.  I was a little skeptical at first because it's not an anti-aging product so I thought to myself "why would I need this?" The answer was clear after the first few nights I used it.

Notice how I said NIGHT.  You might read the reviews about this product with people complaining that it's "too sticky" and "you can't wear makeup over it." That, my friends, is because this is a NIGHT TIME ONLY product.  It IS sticky but you just put it on and go to sleep so it doesn't bother me at all.

The moment you put the cooling gel on your eyes you can feel its firming effects.  Basically, the gel is meant to be used at night to firm the eye area and to reduce puffiness so that when you wake up everything is marvelous!

I bought the full size of this eye gel and use it nightly.  I plan to eventually do it every other night, alternating it with an anti-aging eye cream.  I would say this is a MUST for anyone who doesn't get enough sleep.  That's not the case for me, but I just like how smooth my eyes look when I use it.

Do you have an products to rave about?   Did any of your Sephora F&F purchases turn out to be Holy Grail worthy?

xoxo,

Veronika.

PS-  I know it's Monday---and I don't have a MM this week---but I will share this:  tonight, when I got home from work I felt drained and overall like I just wanted to plop down on the couch and watch TV. I forced myself to change into gym clothes as soon as I got home. I went to my gym, did 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of ab and leg work. I was really proud that I pushed myself because overall, I feel a lot better now.

I am going to try to finish up some of my packing for my trip now. Can you believe all I'm taking is a big purse and one carry-on suitcase? I'm really trying to maximize what I bring so it's all versatile---lots of black, of course!