On the fence: Beauty Edition

Hi everyone! 

Hopefully  the week has been  treating you well and if it hasn't, we can only go up from here. I had a lot of fun doing my previous  post (On the fence) so I decided to extend  the series to beauty products as well. While I'm not necessarily on the fence about  the two products  I'm reviewing  today...I was in the beginning.

 I am a  creature  of habit so it's not unusual for me to stay inside my comfort zone.  I had been looking for  a new mascara for quite some time and I have had my eye on this one from Maybelline for longest time so I decided to take the plunge. I'm also not someone who takes hand cream too seriously ( not that I like being ashy), but its just never been a proirity. Let's talk about the products.

This mascara really frustrated me in the beginning. I kept getting it all over my lids, but I was determined to give it a shot because  I have heard amazing things about it. I'm not sure if it's the small brush or just the way I was holding the wand, but I couldn't get a proper application  at first. However, I was dead set on liking this cult favourite. I paid less than R100 for this one so I'd say it's not a bad investment  for such a low price. Eventually I figured out how to handle the small brush properly and now I reach for this mascara  everyday.

Maybelline Great Lash in Blackest Black.

The hand cream from  Isabella  Garcia   was a gift from my mom and it really surprised me. I'm unlucky enough to pick up greasy, not easily absorbed formula's but this one is exactly  the opposite. This one is part of a limited edition  set of three so I have two others to try as well but, so far I'm thoroughly impressed.

 It contains notes of white musk, amber, orange blossom, coconut and rhubarb. Fancy hey? It's amazingly creamy without  the greasy residue and leaves my hands both looking and feeling gorgeous. I guess I'm converted  now. The Isabella Garcia  La Parfum Creme Trinite retails for R325 on takealot.com last time I checked.

Isabella Garcia Last Parfum Creme  in Hypnotique

Are there any products  that you were not completely  sold on at first but adore now? Or maybe the internet really hyped up a product and it left you dissapointed. Tell me about it.  I would love to hear  from you. 

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Make Your MARK

I only have one requirement when it comes to mascara and that is: I want the brush to be thin. Needless to say, when I was gifted this MARK mascara from Avon I was sure I would not enjoy it because the brush is anything but thin. In fact it's the complete opposite. 

The mascara promises to give you big and daring lashes and the packaging does not lie. While it took me a moment to get used to mascara,the results are impeccable. Collosal lashes was what I got. The brush picks up a bit too much product at first but, its not a train smash.

The waterproof formula is perfect for those humid summer days but, it removes easily with a little bit micellar cleansing water. Listen, let me tell you I was not too keen on using the mascara but,I'm really glad I did. Although the brush is, at first glance, uncomfortably big, it does an amazing job of giving you beautiful, voluminous lashes.

I enjoyed using it so much I'm actually going to go and repurchase it. Have you used this mascara? What is your go to mascara at the moment? I would love go hear from you.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Review : Almay Intense I -Color Volumizing Mascara

I have been using Almay Intense I-Color Volumizing Mascara for a while now and I freaking adore it. Actually, I  will fight someone for this mascara. Lol, not really. This was a spur of the moment purchase because my regular mascara was out of stock and I was desperate.

Typically, I like thin brushes because they elongate my lashes. Every single one of them. So needles to say, I was not to keen on this thicker brush. They are usually too messy for my liking.

 Let me tell you how wrong I was about this mascara. It makes my eyelashes look gigantic. Not only that, it is perfect for my sensitive eyes. During the summer months I somehow I have these itchy eyes and this mascara is perfect for that.

If I'm a hundred percent honest, I almost didn't buy this mascara because of the R185 price tag. As much as I love my make up, I like it better when it suites my budget. After contemplating a bit, I went ahead and bought the mascara and it was money well spent. Right now, this is my favourite mascara. It goes without saying that I'm going to stick to this one for now.

Have you used this mascara? I would love to hear from you.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Review: Maybelline's Define -A-Lash mascara

Happy Friday everyone!

I have spent the whole week trying to adjust to and survive the cold. As much as I love the idea of winter; the reality of it seems less ideal to me. Nevertheless, I did discover a new favourite mascara this week and I am extremely keen to share a short review with you.

After purchasing Maybelline's Define-A-Lash mascara quite a while ago, I decided to give it a try this week. I have to admit, this mascara ticks all the boxes for me. From the packaging  to the texture: and most importantly the brush.

Since my lashes are on the short side, I prefer a shorter brush. The thin, flexible brush is perfect. The bristles grab even the shortest lashes and lengthen it to the point where they look like false lashes (I have been asked). The non clump texture makes for an easy application. Even the packaging gets my vote. The green tube looks modern. Overall, I am delighted by this mascara. I'm definitely repurchasing.

What about you? What is your favourite mascara at the moment?

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Review: Revlon MegaLash lengthening mascara

By now I am sure everyone is sick of hearing what an ordeal having conjunctivitis  (pink eyes ) was for me. Trust me it was; but on a positive note it made really consider what I was putting on my eyes on a day to day basis. As you can imagine I was delighted to find a mascara for sensitive eyes made by one of my favourite brands.

What it says on the tube
*extra defining formula lengthens and conditions lashes
*long lasting
*clump free, smudge free, fragrance free
*opthalmologist tested; suitable for contact lens wearers

What I think
I am not sure if it's  my imagination or not but my eyes feel way more sensitive than before the pink eyes. I have been using this mascara for a little while now and I have to say that I am thoroughly pleased. Not only does it apply beautifully; it also stays on all day. I wore it to our staff party recently and it survived countless hours of sweaty dancing. I also love the brush and how it reaches even the smallest lashes. There is no doubt that I would definitely repurchase this mascara. Overall I give it a 9/10. It retails for about R135.

Have you used this mascara yourself?  What mascara are you currently using?I'd love to hear from you guys.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

REVIEW: Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes Mascara

More often than not you will find me reviewing mascara on my blog. That is because I simply cannot stay monogamous when it comes to them: yes I have become somewhat of a mascara whore. While I have firm favourites, like Maybelline Illegal Definition (read post here), you’ll always find me yearning to try new ones and ultimately buying them. A few months ago I posted a lukewarm review of Lancome’s Hypnose Drama mascara which you can read here and today I’ve decided to discuss Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes mascara.

 

Here are my thoughts on the product

The packaging is once again absolutely picturesque. The white tube is adorned with the most adorable little red hearts and flowers and was created by Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz. Too be honest, it looks like the R315 it costs.  Application was much easier than with the Drama mascara. The brush doesn’t pick up as much product either which makes it a relatively smudge free process.

Two coats are all you need to create lashes that are curvaceous and impactful. Without a doubt it creates a doll eye effect. Furthermore it stays on for the longest time but, also removes quite easily with a cotton swab and make up remover. It is definitely not mascara I would purchase for myself over and over again simply because of the cost; my budget would never forgive me. If you are looking to spoil yourself and splurge this would be a great choice.

Long lasting effects and a great smell: I give this mascara an 8/10.

Which mascara are you currently using and coveting?

 

                                                             TILL LATER, LAUREN!