I don’t know about you, but the picture of the nail polish almost makes me want to drink it. It’s like I’m mesmerized and can’t take my eyes off of it. Probably some sort of subliminal advertising. But I’d still buy it.
Beauteous reader Klee sent in the following question:
I’ll be vacationing with the new BF and was curious about lash extensions. Will they last 6 weeks? My lashes are naturally blond, do they dye my lashes first to match? Is it worth it? Any insight on the decision would help.
Well, I was able to do some research on lash extensions, and here are the pros and cons I came up with.
Pros:
By pretty much all accounts, they look absolutely gorgeous. Like, breathtakingly gorgeous.
Those that had lash extensions done appreciated not having to fuss with the whole mascara routine.
Cons:
The application process is a long one, about two hours or so. Many people found it difficult and somewhat claustrophobic.
It is possible to have an allergic reaction to the adhesive.
Depending on the skill of the technician, the lashes can last from two to three weeks.
Upkeep on extensions is very expensive, if you intend to keep them longer than three weeks.
You must be selective with eye makeup, and eyeliner is frowned upon.
One unanticipated side effect for some was that the extensions would actually brush against sunglasses/glasses and they found that to be an uncomfortable sensation.
Exposure to sweat and water can reduce the effectiveness of the adhesive.
You must be careful in choosing the type of lashes that are to be applied, it can be too much of a good thing if they are too long or too thick.
As for matching your natural lashes, I didn’t see anything that implied any dyeing beforehand. I’m guessing that is either a separate procedure, or possibly unnecessary due to the awesomeness of the fake ones.
To me, the pros are outweighing the cons. I could see getting them for a very special occasion such as a wedding, but unless your bank account can stand a steady draining, then I’m not sure they are worth it. Although it might be easy for me to say that as I have fairly decent lashes.
But on the other of the hands, (as the boss would say) the results are said to be fairly stunning.
Anyone else have thoughts? Anyone had them done? Or know someone that has?
I know, I know. Based on my penchant for plummy-colored eyeliner, I’m fairly positive that I would look good in some plum mascara.
But, I’m not 100% positive.
And it just hasn’t really been on my radar to go and find a nice plum colored mascara and try it out.
I just might be scarred from the 80’s, when I did brave some blue mascara (SO HOT at the time) and thought I looked great.
Except in retrospect, I’m sure I didn’t.
I am well aware that the pigmentation on mascaras is much different here in the 2000’s, and the only time you are going to get neon blue mascara is if you are purposely looking for neon blue mascara.
As much as I hate to say it, I’m thinking that maybe 41 is a bit old for colored mascara. A trend best left for the young ‘uns, as I had a go of it on the first round.
What say you? Is age just a number and flaunt that purple mascara no matter what?
The perfect mascara.
For me, anyway. Mascara is just one of those things that is so individual, it is almost impossible to recommend one that is great for everybody.
May I introduce Make Up For Ever’s Smoky Lash mascara. Finally a Make Up For Ever product that I like! I’ve tried so many that didn’t impress that it’s nice to find something from the brand that makes me happy.
Now I don’t actually recommend this product too much for everyday wear, but as I work from home, usually I only apply mascara when I’m going somewhere special. I like Laura Mercier for a “natural” look mascara.
There’s nothing particularly natural about Smoky Lash. It is one of those products that totally looks like you are wearing mascara, but in a very good way. It’s nice and thick and deeply pigmented, more so than any other mascara that I’ve tried. It almost looks like fake eyelashes, and I’m OK with that. But it isn’t clumpy and I’ve not had any flaking, which is sort of amazing for such an intense-looking product.
It comes in quite a few colors, including plum and blue, but I stuck with good old black.
So if you like a strong, thick-looking lash, this product is worth checking out.
It’s that time again! The time where I give some sage advice on things you can buy for those with an appreciation for the specialty of this blog. And all under fifty bucks!
Beautyblender Makeup Sponge Applicator (2)
For those that prefer liquid foundation/concealer, I have heard nothing but fantabulous things about these applicators. A bit pricey, but supposedly worth every penny. Definitely something to give someone who probably wouldn’t spring for it themselves.
Gal Pal The Original Retro Ice Bag
Ladies such as myself will remember that this type of ice bag was pretty much the only game in town when we were kids. And you know, I kind of miss them because they really did have a nice shape to them that made it easy just to plop it where it was needed. Comes in lots of cute designs, too!
THE NEW BLACK ‘Graffiti – Ombré Nail Shades’ 5-Piece Set
For the more adventurous nail enthusiast, everything they will need to create the perfect ombre look. Or not. That’s the beauty of this gift, because the colors still rock even if they don’t use them as originally intended.
Makeup Studio Blockbuster Palette
Not sure what colors they might like? This palette is guaranteed to have at least a dozen or so, seeing as it contains a whopping 197 products.
Three full sized M.A.C. products for a great price. And a bag to boot!
L’Occitane Verbena Harvest Perfumed Sachet
Nice, natural sachets are hard to come by any more. This is one of the best. And who says you have to buy just one? Makes a perfect hostess gift.
I’m a big fan of pretty packaging, and the box for this collection of Fekkai hair products is touted as a collectible. Inspired by Aix-en-Provence, France, this is the first year of a new series of gift sets from the company that brings you nice hair.
I’m of the opinion that you just can’t go wrong with this set. You can quote me on that.
Me! Bath Mini Bath Ice Cream Gift Set
Get a bunch or get just one! These bath fizzies are a fun, unique gift.
Sephora Deluxe Fragrance Sampler For Her
Another almost can’t-go-wrong gift. And a teensy secret is that if the receiver doesn’t like any of the sample fragrances, they can pick out any one in the store that has the approximate value. Or, you could do aLash Sampler, or a Sampler for Him.
Oh, why can’t I just turn back the clock twenty years or so?
As a forty year old mother of two, I just can’t imagine myself actually needing to buy these for pretty much any reason.
Made by a company based in London, these paper lashes were inspired by the art of Chinese paper-cuttng. They can be used as-is, or cut up and used in parts as big or small as you would like.
Not only are there peacocks, there are peach blossoms, sea creatures, and of all things, deer and butterflies.
Simply put, if you need/want an eyelash curler, don’t waste your money on anything else.
I’ve found that as I’ve aged, my eyelashes have started growing straighter than they used to. Don’t know if that is common, but for me, a pain in the butt because lashes that stick straight out instead of curving up do not look all that great with mascara. So, to the eyelash curler I went. A simple squeeze, no pain, no pinching, and voila! Beautifully curved eyelashes begging for some mascara.
There isn’t an eyelash curler that even comes close to Shu Uemura’s, and many have tried. I don’t know exactly what voodoo they use in the making of this thing, but it is almost magical. I have NEVER hurt my eyelashes using this product, and as long as you are careful about placement, you won’t either.
Remember, always curl before applying mascara. Otherwise, you’ll get nasty bits of mascara all over your curler. Not pretty.
Oh sure, it was all over the fall runways, but is anybody REALLY down with spider lashes? I mean, besides the few people who are going to embrace beauty trends no matter what.
I can honestly say that this is one trend I won’t be embracing.
Mainly because I’m picky with which trends I choose to follow, and looking like I am in desperate need of a lash comb is not currently one of them.
The LA Times reports that there are currently lash products out there to assist you in your quest for arachnid-like lashes, such as Lancome’s Hypnose Doll Eyes and MAC’s Opulash Optimum.
Meh, maybe I’ll try it on Halloween.
Of mascara, that is.
It seems that in my decades of wearing makeup, the product satisfaction that has eluded me the most is mascara.
I’ve found perfectly lovely cleansers, shampoos, lipsticks, foundations, moisturizers, you name it.
But the perfect mascara?
I’ve yet to find it.
For a while, I actually did achieve mascara nirvana. Yeah, I’m mixing religious symbolism here, sorry. I used LORAC mascara, back when they only had one kind. Then they went and reformulated it, and I bought a tube in vain hope, but was sorely disappointed. I HATE when that happens.
Since then, I have searched high and low for a mascara that is waterproof but easy to remove, doesn’t clump, doesn’t flake, plumps and lengthens, and doesn’t look totally fake. One product that does all these things, not three.
I’ve yet to find it.
Too much to ask, I guess.
What is your Holy Grail product?
I was just browsing through the sale “rack” at Sephora and thought I would pass some of these on… I’m almost tempted to get the Tarina Tarantino palette for the price… Oh, and be sure to read the reviews before buying! I always do!
Tarina Tarantino Jewel Box Palette Mixed reviews on this, although a four-star rating overall. The price can’t be beat for what it includes, though.
Sephora Collection Concealer Palette If I still wore this type of concealer, I would strongly consider this. Half off!
MUFE Beauty in a Box: Make Up Tricks & Treats OK, so this is a holdover from Halloween. So what? It has almost all regular-sized products and it is more than half off!
Korres Color With Skincare Benefits Collection I have not personally tried Korres products, but I hear lots of good things about them. Positive ratings on this one, although I hate people who take stars off because they were upset that the sizes are “too small.” Then read the damn description before you buy!
Balmshell Lip Gloss At eleven bucks I’m not enitrely sure how great a deal it is, but the reviews are quite good. Lots of different colors, too.
Sephora Collection Black Sequined Bag Collection If you are looking for a good makeup bag, the prices will make you smile.
Urban Decay Beauty In A Box This was given 4.7 stars out of 5 from 123 people, so I’m going to guess this is some good stuff. Not bad for forty bucks.
