Makeup Clearout: Mascaras

Hey everyone!

Today's post is a hefty one, so put the kettle on and get comfy. I recently starting clearing up my makeup stash and realized I was quite the hoarder. Apparently I am a huge hoarder of mascara, in particular. This was a strange discovery, since I typically use two or three at one time, maximum. Anyway, before throwing them all out I thought I should dedicate a post to all of these mascaras, good, bad, and the ones I've kind of forgotten about entirely. I'm going to give them all a rating out of 10, but keep in mind that mascara is very personal and something I dislike may be your holy grail mascara!

Just a collective picture of just a selection of the ones that needed to go...

Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes: 7.5/10
This mascara was expensive, had a very strong rose fragrance, but ultimately delivered long lashes with some decent volume at the roots. Out of all of these mascaras, this would be one of the best. Downside would have to be the price, but if you can afford to treat yourself I would!

Rimmel Scandaleyes Retro Glam: 5/10
This Rimmel mascara did deliver some great volume at the base of the lashes, but I found that the brush was too big for my eyes and often transferred onto my lid or under my eyes. It worked really nicely on my friends Sara, who has longer lashes than me naturally and it helped to give her straighter lashes a lift and curl.

Benefit Roller Lash: 9/10
This mascara was one of my favourites and most-used of 2015. I bought it when it was first released, even after hearing mixed reviews. I did love Benefit's They're Real mascara so I thought I'd love this too and I wasn't disappointed. This mascara gives a great curl and length to lashes and the unique comb applicator really caught every lash. It's lasting power was great and I would repurchase.

Clinique High Lengths Mascara: 8.5/10
High Lengths by Clinique is a mascara similar to Roller Lash. It's designed for curling and lengthening and when I first purchased this mascara I was thrilled with the results, my lashes had never looked so long! I did find that it had a good lasting power, but the applicator made it near impossible to apply to the bottom lashes. That aside, I would repurchase, but I found it did dry out faster than a lot of these other formulas.

Covergirl Clump Crusher Waterproof: 2.5/10

This might be bad, but this mascara didn't work for me at all and thats about all the details I can remember. I know drugstore mascaras are significantly cheaper than the alternative, but $8.00 for a product I used two or three times was a huge waste of money. I wouldn't recommend. It didn't place much product on my lashes at all (and I understand that the point is that it doesn't clump) but this just didn't give me the effect I desired. It might be okay for a younger girl who doesn't want/need thick black lashes and desires a more natural look. Even then, there are better products for the job.

Givenchy Phenomen'eyes: 8.5/10

This product was a total splurge once when I was on vacation and went to a Givenchy Boutique. I have to say, I loved it. The applicator looks deadly, but it worked incredibly well to lift lashes from the base and add great volume and length. If you liked the ball at the end of the Benefit They're Real applicator, this mascara would work well for you. Great lasting power, didn't budge and worked wonders on my lower lashes as well. Only downside is the price.

Rimmel Wonderlash: 3/10

This mascara had a more watery formula which didn't coat lashes too evenly, and the wand was pointy and flimsy. I prefer a more stiff wand so I feel like I have control when being near my eye area and this was way too flimsy. It made it difficult to apply and I was afraid I'd poke my eye out every time I used it.

L'Oreal Voluminous Original: 5.5/10
This mascara I realize right away is a cult fave and people might hate me for bashing it. Honestly, for the first week I owned this mascara I was really impressed. A great all-rounder that lengthens, curls and adds volume. In Canada this mascara isn't even that cheap at over $10 and it just dried out so quickly. I usually don't mind this because it is expected, but it made the product cling very thickly to the wand and made it impossible to apply. Great at first, and it's possible my tube wasn't entirely airtight or something, but for me it wasn't worth the hype.

Benefit They're Real: 8.5/10
I've owned two full-size tubes of They're Real and a few mini's. This mascara is wonderful, long-lasting, lash defining, lengthening and volumizing. It doesn't flake or smudge and lasted just as well as if it were waterproof. The downside would be that it's quite difficult to remove. I would certainly repurchase.

Covergirl Exact Eyelights: 6/10

These mascaras were a surprise for me. I haven't had the best experience with Covergirl mascaras lately, but these were surprisingly nice. They lasted relatively well, the brushes made your lashes look nice, longer and fuller but more natural than most. The concept with these mascaras is that they come in shades to emphasize your eye colour, but I used one for hazel and blue eyes (my eyes are green) and just found that it was a softer colour and less harsh than black. Ideal for a younger girls first mascara in my opinion, or for an everyday mascara on somebody who doesn't want the intensity of a black.

Lancome Hypnose Star: 7/10

Similar to Lancome's Doll Eyes mascara, this has a heavy perfumed formula. I found it a bit distracting that I could smell my eyelashes throughout the day. I did prefer Doll Eyes over this one but liked the similar tapered point for getting to my inner and outer corners of my eye. It was nice and did the job, but nothing special and I wouldn't repurchase.

Hourglass Film Noir Full Spectrum: 5/10

This mascara was nice on me for the first few applications, but I found it to be wet and goopy, which resulted in smudging. My lashes don't necessarily require a drier formula, but I do find that mascara smudges quite badly on me in the summer months and I don't think it's worth the price. Disappointing for an otherwise awesome well-rounded brand.

Smashbox Primer Mascara: 6/10

This mascara primer worked really well but I found that it got significantly worse after a short while of using it, maybe 2-3 months. I know mascara has a short lifespan, but you use way less product for an eyelash primer than a mascara, so I was disappointed. The best way to apply this is to let it dry completely before layering a mascara overtop, but I think most lash primers do the same job. I'm currently using a lash primer by Clinique and find it works just as well as this one but is less messy and clumpy.

Dior Addict It-Lash: 6.5/10
Last but not least, Dior Addict It-Lash. This mascara was the most similar to Benefit's They're Real when I first used it, with an almost identical wand. I only had a sample but this mascara dried out quickly- and to the point where it was impossible to use. It didn't get clumpy like a lot of dried out mascaras, it actually was like there was nothing left in the tube at all. Somehow the mascara was so dry it wasn't even there anymore. For the price, not worth it.

I hope you enjoyed this Makeup Clearout and found this collective review helpful or at least mildly interesting! I feel very relived knowing I can now throw all of these away!

Thanks for reading!

Megan

Too Faced Love Flush Blush Palette

Hey everyone,

Today's review is on the recently sold-out limited-edition blush palette from Too Faced. I saw this first in Sephora after Boxing Day and didn't pick it up. It was only later that night when I was regretting it that I decided I would order it online. I'm so glad I did! I hope you enjoy this review.

First of all- the packaging! I mean c'mon. It's so cute and colourful, not something I typically go for but I still felt like squealing when I opened the package.

I loved that on the back of the box was a guide to the shades included- a perfect variety of their new Love Flush long-lasting 16 hour blushes.

Every shade from their line is included, just a smaller size. Personally, I think this is great for any makeup lover because nobody ever finishes a blush unless it's an everyday fave, plus powders last forever as long as you take good care of them. This is a palette I'm sure I will use for a very long time.

The packaging is a very thin cardboard palette (similar but much thinner to Urban Decay's original Naked Palette.) It has a magnetic closure and although it's quite long, the thin packaging is great if you're a traveller who likes to have some variety.

Love Hangover is a warm pink- it hasn't been captured too well here. It's a standard pink shade, not too pale or too dark, and doesn't pull too peach toned. It's a warm pink- but it's not quite a peach.

Baby Love is a dusty-rose nude, similar to Tarte's "Exposed", but with a slight golden shimmer (very subtle). I think this shade is the most wearable of them all, but that could be because it's my favourite type of blush shade.

I Will Always Love You is a shimmery golden peach shade. This shade will look fantastic on olive skintones and darker- and I'm sure many pale girls could pull it off, but I haven't found a way to make this work perfectly on me quite yet. It's very pigmented (as are all of the shades) but I'm not used to wearing warm peach blushes. I have a feeling I'll have better luck in the summer months!

How Deep Is Your Love? is a slightly deeper rose shade, with a brighter finish than Love Hangover. It would be best described as a watermelon pink, and a perfect spring/summer shade. The pigmentation on this one is incredible- a little bit goes a long way!

Justify My Love is a very bright cool-toned pink, with a slight purple tone to it. It has a very fine shimmer to it, but it's barely noticeable. This shade is most similar to the scarily neon shades such as Dior's Rosy Glow blush. While looking quite scary in the pan, it looks like a very healthy "I've been for a brisk walk outside" on the cheeks. Perfect during the winter months!

And finally, surprisingly my favourite shade in the palette is Your Love Is King. This deep, warm raspberry shade is one that I'm considering purchasing the full-size of. It's very pigmented, so important to tap off any excess on your brush before applying. It is a perfect Autumn/Winter shade, but I think I'll be wearing it year-round. 

A quick swatch picture before my cat, Fudge, interrupted. 

And a much better swatch picture!
From L-R: Love Hangover, Baby Love, I Will Always Love You, How Deep Is Your Love?, Justify My Love, and Your Love Is King.

I hope you all enjoyed this post- I really love this product! If the palette never restocks (surely for Valentine's Day though?!?) the individual shades are available from Sephora for $32.00 CDN.

Have a great day, and thanks for reading!

Megan

Makeup Clearout: Mousturizers

Hey everyone,

This whole "makeup clearout" title is something I came up with to aid me in stopping hoarding skincare and cosmetics. This time, I'm going through the moisturizer collection I have kept- and realized most were empty containers and jars. This seems to be a bit of a problem for me, but something about the new year is telling me to let go and take pictures for my blog, but otherwise get rid of the evidence. I recently had a bit of a clear out, so I hope you find this post helpful, or at the very least comforting- knowing I don't have 7 empty jars strewn about on my dresser! 

So here is the clear evidence that my dry skin is not just from the cold Canadian winters. It's actually because I desperately need to buy myself a new moisturizer!

First up is probably my all time favourite day cream, the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. I have used about 5 or 6 of these in the past, and although I've used the cream as well as the gel, the gel formula is my favourite for day time. I find it's a very simple but effective product that absorbs into the skin quickly, is a nice base for makeup and doesn't irritate my skin. It may not be the richest product for the winter months, but it pairs really well with oils and serums and is a good year-round base. 

Origins GinZing moisturizer is one I have also used before. This product is a slightly thicker and more tacky feeling version of the Clinique product, with the added bonus of a fresh orange scent. I do like this product, and find it works nicely at keeping my skin hydrated and providing a nice glow, but honestly I find it isn't the best base for makeup- at least for me. I find I get better results pairing this with a hydrating oil or serum at nighttime. 

Benefit's Total Moisture Facial Cream is one I've had for a long time, and neglected when I first purchased. I was used to a gel cream, and didn't like the feeling of this on my face. As time went on, however, I found this moisturizer was really nice paired with more glowy foundations, and was really hydrating and left my skin looking plumper and healthier. It has a nice cucumber-y fresh scent and a little goes a long way. Something I'd repurchase, but wouldn't necessarily recommend to somebody who prefers a gel or cream that they can't feel on their face. This is a thicker cream that leaves a residue and takes quite a bit longer to totally absorb into the skin.

Origins High-Potency-Night-A-Mins is a really lovely night cream. It was hydrating and smelled wonderful, didn't feel too greasy or thick. I think this was just a really nice, simple cream that did the job very well. It's probably my favourite product from Origins, I certainly prefer it over the GinZing face cream and the Drink-Up Intensive mask as well. I was definitely a bit sad to finish this one up.

The Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet from the Body Shop is the lighter gel texture formula of their very popular Vitamin E Day Cream. I found that this one was quite interesting, light and cooling on the skin, but probably not the most hydrating formula I've ever tried. I liked it as a thicker gel day cream- but found that if I used it as a base for makeup the product sort of balled up and created a bizarre texture on my face. It was a great product for no-makeup days, but if I were to recommend a product from the Vitamin E range at the Body Shop it would have to be the Serum-in-Oil or regular serum over this one.

And another Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel- only in the stupid packaging I've mentioned before. Totally impossible to reach and a huge waste. Still infuriates me so I'll probably just stop rambling here.

The Origins Drink Up Intensive overnight moisture mask was a pleasant surprise. My first experience with this wasn't the best, I found it to feel quite thick and emulsify into a bit of an oily formula, but when I woke up I really loved the plumpness and glow left on my skin. I did continue to use this until I had completely ran out, and I must say if you can get over the slightly heavy feeling on your face you will really enjoy this as a hydrating treatment for your skin.

Finally, a hydrating serum- not a moisturizer, and one I loved so much I actually cut in half to get it all out. Indeed Labs Hydraluron is a fantastic hydrating serum that uses Hyaluronic acid to retain more moisture than your skin typically does by itself. I've been through three of these now, and while somewhat expensive, it's a really nice boost for your skin and comes in perfect packaging for travelling!

I hope you enjoyed this first instalment of Makeup Clearout. I have at least two more planned- so keep your eyes peeled!

Thanks for reading,

Megan

Make Up For Ever "Mat Velvet +" Foundation

Hey everyone!

This weeks post features a product recommended to me by a super nice girl who I went to highschool with, and another person with incredibly pale skin not unlike myself. Her skin always looks flawless, so I asked what she used and she said it was the Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet +. I had already used their old HD foundation formula in the shade 115, and it was still just a little bit too dark for me. I decided to go for the Mat Velvet +, thinking if I wanted to have a more glowy finish I could mix it with my Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone (which I have, and it works wonderfully!)

The packaging, firstly, is incredible. Why on Earth is this packaging not more common? It's a tiny plastic bottle which still holds 30ml (the standard size for foundations) and it can really take a beating. I'm a fan of NARS foundations but their glass bottles annoy the hell out of me, this bottle would be perfect for somebody who travels a lot or who does their makeup on the go.

I originally tried the shade 15, but after trying it out it was much too pale. This made me incredibly happy because I know a few people who could never find foundation matches because they were too pale- and shade 15 is wonderful! I opted for one shade darker, 20, and it does not disappoint. It's very neutral which is perfect for foundations, and doesn't make me look too pink or yellow.

Back to the packaging for a second- C'mon look at the nozzle! (Er nozzle? Applicator? Spout?) Whatever it's called, it is incredible. No wasting product by pouring it all out on the back of your hand and no wasting product with a pump that is attached to a tube basically designed to leave 1/4 of the product unreachable! This is by far the best packaging I've found for a foundation.

I would say the coverage is medium to full. A little of this product goes a long way, but I find a pea size works for my entire face and then I can cover up with concealer as needed. The matte coverage is a little different for me, but it's not chalky or cakey looking. The only time I experienced that was when I applied too much. I think this is a foundation best worked in with thin layers.

You can see how neutral the undertones are in this product, and also how creamy the formula is. It's very comfortable for a foundation and the lasting power is impressive. I have very dry to dehydrated skin, and this is still quite comfortable to wear. I can imagine this being a big hit with you oily skinned girls!

Here you can see the coverage and colour on my hand. It blends in nicely- not as well as most of my more hydrating foundations do, but when paired with a primer it is wonderful. I'm really pleased with how this product has worked out for me. I think the packaging is amazing, some of the best, and the colour range is fantastic. Not only are there options for fair skins, but also for deeper skintones as well. I don't know why I never tried it sooner!

Thanks for reading! I hope you have a great week!

Megan

Becca "Champagne Glow" Shimmering Skin Perfector Palette

Hey everyone!

Very exciting post today, because the Becca X Jaclyn Hill products have been so, so overwhelmingly popular with really positive reviews. I never bought the full-size Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop, so I was really thrilled to have the palette set which includes a small size of the product. I'm a big fan of Becca's highlighters, I used Opal Shimmering Skin Perfector (powder version) for a long time, and more recently the Moonstone liquid version which is incredible.

The packaging is bigger than you imagine it would be, but very thin. It's quite simple for a Becca product, and doesn't really have any of the same design elements of their other products. I do think the packaging is nice for size and shape, but I think there could have been more effort put into the overall design, especially since it was a sell-out and limited edition.

The palette comes with three shades, each powder is under 2.5g. The shades included are Pearl (first time in powder form- now available full size), Champagne Pop (the original Jaclyn Hill colab product), and Blushed Copper, which is more of a pigmented blush than a highlight.

For a palette with only three shades, I think they chose some really great options. Pearl is fabulous on pale skinned gals, Champagne Pop is perfect for basically anybody, and Blushed Copper makes a great blush on paler girls and a wonderful highlight for those of your with deeper skins.

This is a terrible picture, but I had to show how amazing the mirror is! It's full size in the lid and is really great for travelling. The palette itself is sturdy, so I find I can apply all of my makeup with this products mirror because it's so large. The product size looks quite small in the packaging, but all three shades are so pigmented that a little goes a very long way. I think this palette will last a very long time.

These swatches are quite heavy-handed, but I only used a single swipe of my finger. When applied with a brush these shades look incredible on the skin. They certainly aren't subtle- so I would keep that in mind if you prefer something less sparkly or shimmery. They blend wonderfully and are very creamy in texture. I'm loving Pearl for the inner corner of my eyes and on the bridge of my nose, and Champagne Pop on my cheekbones. I was nervous for Brushed Copper, as a girl with very fair skin I tend to choose cooler toned blushes, but I was immediately surprised at how much I loved this as a blush. This palette got a lot of love from me over the holiday season- especially at New Years, but I think it will be in my makeup bag all year long.

Thanks for reading!

Megan

Hourglass 'Diffused Light' Ambient Lighting Powder

Hey everyone! Happy New Year!

So as I mentioned in early December, I've decided 2016 will be another blogging year for me. Rather than attempting to post 3 times every week (and failing by the Summer months), I'd rather put much more time and effort into each post to make it higher-quality and also to ensure that these posts are actually going up on time. I hope you all had a wonderful year, enjoyed time with loved ones over the holiday season and are looking forward to an amazing 2016!

Today, I'm reviewing the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in the shade Diffused Light. It is one of the paler shades and has a more yellow toned finish. I had previously owned the Hourglass powder in Dim Light, and although it was more neutral/pink in tone (more suited to my skin) it was far too dark and never really suited my skin.

I purchased Diffused Light because I loved the Incandescent Light shade that was exclusive to the Ambient Lighting Palette, I used it both as an under eye setting powder and also to subtly highlight areas of my face. I'm still hoping they will make this shade permanent one day- but until then I thought I would try to find the next best thing. Diffused Light appeared to be the palest of the available shades although it does have the yellow colouring, however I realize there is also a shade named Ethereal Light which is more opalescent- this wasn't at the Sephora I visited however. I find that Diffused Light does match my face, but it still doesn't compare to Incandescent Light for me, personally.

Here you can really see how yellow the powder is. Colour aside- the texture and finish is wonderful. It is a very fine powder and has a sheer, subtle glow which I find makes it perfect both as a subtle everyday highlight, or as a setting powder if you prefer a more glowy finish to your makeup (I do!).

I prefer to use the Sephora 79 brush to apply this powder under my eyes and for a more precise application to my face. The brush is called the "Pro Contour 79" and fits really well under the eyes. I find it works with the powder really nicely, and because the powders are so soft and finely milled, I find that a larger brush disturbs the powder and quickly leaves messy powder all over the dressing table, my legs and in the compact itself. I would definitely recommend using a smaller brush in such a soft powder.

I hope you enjoyed this post- I love writing about makeup, particularly when I can be more in-depth and honest in my reviews.

Thanks for reading,

Megan