Have you tried everything out there to grow out your thin stubby lashes? Spackling on layers of mascara? Smothering your lashes in castor oil (which doesn’t work btw)? Or various eyelash conditioners just to be underwhelmed and discouraged?

There’s so many eyelash growth products on the market now that you’ll waste valuable time and money just trying to find something that isn’t a scam.

Well don’t give up hope yet. I’m going to save you hours of disappointment and show you a product that actually works. This is the real deal folks. I’m writing this LiLash stimulator review based on my own experience with the product.

At first glance, LiLash looks just like all the other eyelash growth products out there. It is one of the more expensive ones, costing $139.97 for one tube. I was hesitant at first, but there’s a 90 day money back guarantee and an offer for free UPS ground shipping. I figured what the heck, if it doesn’t work, then I’ll just ask for a refund.

The key to using LiLash is to use it once, not twice a day and to use very little of it. Just put on a single swipe across your top lashline. This point is stressed on the packaging and website, do not apply LiLash to both your top and bottom lashes or you’ll end up with stinging and irritation.

I can testify that LiLash is gentle enough for sensitive eyes (like mine) so long as it is applied correctly. I remember reading some LiLash Reviews where people claimed LiLash caused stinging and red eye. Well apparently they were applying more than the recommended amount and using LiLash on both their top and bottom lashes, exactly what the directions tell you not to do! No wonder their eyes were irritated. Less is definitely more especially with eyelash conditioners that are used so close to the eyes.

Just a thin swipe on your top lashes is all you need. As with many other things in life, read the fine print and follow directions…

After anxiously checking my lashes every chance I had for two weeks, I finally saw some changes in my eyelashes. I could have been losing my mind, but my short lashes were starting to have a slight curl!

Apparently I wasn’t hallucinating as my lashes now brush against my glasses. My mornings are so much simpler now that I don’t have to mess with layers of lengthening mascara and false lashes everyday.

Now I’m not going to claim that LiLash will turn you into a supermodel or anything like that, this isn’t one of those paid LiLash Reviews. But for an eyelash growth product that actually grows longer looking eyelashes, LiLash is definitely worth its weight in gold.

Are you sick of all the fake reviews and bogus websites? Click here to see LiLash reviews written by real women and get the natural, long, thick lashes you’ve always wanted. Tell me more…

This awesome foundation primer is suitable for any woman who uses even the tiniest amount of makeup.  Smashbox has created a winning product that is perfect for all skin types and all types of foundations from liquids to creams to powders and mineral makeups. Photo Finish is a silicone based gel that goes on smooth and grease free to fill in uneven bumpy skin.  As the name implies, this foundation primer gives a softly lit airbrushed effect to smooth out fine lines and pores.

Just imagine the type of lighting that Oprah uses on her show to get that perfectly made up look for her and her guests.  Now imagine what it would be like if you had that type of lighting following you around as you go about your day.  I’m being 100% serious when I tell you that THIS is what Smashbox Photo Finish does!

I will admit that I have been using this product for several years now and for years I have  guiltily refused to tell people about it because I rather like going around letting people think I’m naturally blessed with beautiful skin.  The truth is that I have acne scars and pigmentation from my teenage years that I hide very well with a combination of Photo Finish primer, Face Atelier concealer, and judicious use of mineral makeup to “fake” my naturally gorgeous skin, shhh don’t you tell anyone though!

What Smashbox’s foundation primer really excels at is filling in pores and lines.   So if you have ever put on your foundation only to see your pores and wrinkles grow larger and deeper, then you need to get this!  The difference is unbelievable and you will have to see it in  person to see what I’m talking about.  It is difficult to describe in words, but I would say that Smashbox Photo Finish tames flaky dry skin and gives your skin a dewy glow while at the same time it absorbs shiny grease/sweat and stops your foundation from melting off your face.  Sometimes if I’m running late in the mornings I’ll even skip my foundation all together and just put on a light layer of primer to “freshen up” my skin.

The great thing about the original  Smashbox Photo Finish Primer is that it is colorless so it will work with all skin tones without leaving white streaks.  I am reviewing the original Photo Finish formula, but there are other formulas for specific needs.  The different versions in the line range from SPF protection, color correcting for specific problems such as redness and bruising, to bronzing primers which give a nice pop of color just where you need it.

(Click here to see the full line of products @ Amazon.com)

Despite being a miracle product that keeps your makeup on all day, Photo Finish is easy to wash off.  You have to remember that it is a silicone based product so you will need to use an oil based cleanser to wipe off the product first and then you can just follow up with your usual face cleanser and toner.

You can get Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer with free Amazon prime shipping HERE AT Amazon.com

Is your favorite girl always on the go?  For women who are out and about, the worse thing is having to touch up their makeup in public.  Here are some great makeup gifts that will help busy ladies get on with their lives.

	Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eyeshadow smudges and flaking glitter are some of my biggest makeup pet peeves.  If you have oily skin, sweat throughout the day, or if your skin is too dry then your shadows will have a hard time staying on and will flake off.  Shadow Insurance fixes that problem by forming a base coat for your eyeshadow to stick to.  Too Faced Shadow Insurance makes eyeshadow colors pop so you can use less eyeshadow for the same effect.  Shadow Insurance also smooths wrinkles and makes blending colors easier.  There’s also a shimmer version called “Candlelight” and a “Glitter Glue” version for glitter and sparkle shadows. (Click to compare prices)
	Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner Finally there’s a waterproof eye liner that won’t smudge or run with teary eyes.  Stila’s liquid eyeliner brush draws a clean bold line without tugging on delicate eyelids.  Unlike other liquid liners there’s no skipping or bleeding with Stila Stay All Day liquid eye liner.  Plus once it’s on skin it dries up quickly so you don’t have to wait forever before you can start blinking again!  Comes in a variety of colors including black, brown, silver, indigo, and green as well as a sparkle and shimmer version. (Click to compare prices)
	Stila Convertible Color Lipstick/Blush This all in one blush and lipgloss is perfect for a better than natural look. Stila’s convertible colors come in 8 different shades and goes on smoothly for a translucent pink / peach to brighten up your cheeks and lips.  Not only does these shades cut down on the amount of makeup you have to carry around but they are long lasting with colors still fresh after 8 hours.  The colors are subtle and forgiving so they suit all different types of skin tones. (Click to compare prices)
	Stila Smudge Pot A long time cult favorite, smudge pots are a triple duty makeup weapon.  This little jar is an eye liner, eye shadow, and brow pencil all in one!  Smudge pots are creamy and dry so they can be applied with a flat angled brush for a clean line or with your fingers for a softer blended smoky eye look.  I love smudge pots because the dry gel formula does not melt in hot weather and it doesn’t dry out like liquid formulas. A little goes a long way and one jar can last over half a year even with everyday use. (Click to compare prices)
	Too Faced Eye Palettes These pre selected eyeshadow “themes” are great for when you are traveling and do not want to bring along your entire makeup drawer!  Each palette comes with instructions for several looks using only the eyeshadows in the palette.  Set themes range from “natural eye”, “smoky eye”, to “romantic eye” these palettes are simple to use and easy to pack.  Too Faced eyeshadows blend easily and are deeply colored.  Pair this palette up with Too Faced Shadow Insurance and your eye makeup will stay touch up free for entire day. (Click to compare prices)
	Too Faced Retractable Kabuki Brush This retractable brush is an ultra portable and mess free solution for bronzers, blushes, and foundation.  This kabuki has a full sized brush head for full even coverage and quick application.   Teddy bear bristles are not made out of animal hairs so they are cruelty free as well as extra soft compared to animal hair kabuki brushes.  If you have sensitive skin and cannot use normal kabuki brushes then you should give Too Faced’s Teddy Bear hair line of brushes and see what the fuss is about! (Click to compare prices)

Okay, so it’s officially 81 days until Christmas 2011 and you probably still haven’t started on your Christmas shopping yet, right?  Well don’t worry, I haven’t either.

Every week from now on leading up the the big day I will be adding one post each week with the best beauty and makeup gifts for 2011.  Let’s kick start the series this week with my favorite beauty gadgets.  From skin cleansers to hair dryers and acne zappers there’s bound to be a great gift idea here that will appeal to the women in your life.

	Jonathan Product Beauty Water Shower Purification  System This water filter screws into any standard shower head and filters out chlorine, heavy metals, and chemicals.  Your died hair color and shine will stay vibrant longer and you will get rid of the uncomfortable soap build up caused by hard water.  Cleaner water means softer cleaner skin, shinier hair and savings because you won’t have to buy expensive shampoos, conditioners, and soaps anymore! (Check prices)
	Clarisonic Mia Skin Cleansing System Cleansing your face of all traces of makeup, dirt, and oil can be nearly impossible with just your hands.   The result is ugly breakouts, uneven skin tone, and over time wrinkles and fine lines. The Clarisonic Mia solves this problem with a gentle vibrating brush and a simple one touch button.  The Mia even beeps to tell you when you should move the brush when an area is clean enough!  Look for smaller pores, smoother skin, and less breakouts. Clean skin will also absorb moisturizers and active serums better so vitamin C serums, retinols, and anti aging formulas are bound to be more effective with the Mia. (Check prices)
	Professional Portable Frequency Darsonval Facial Professional spas, salons, and estheticians have used high frequency facial machines for years in Europe.  Darsonval machines are great for clearing pores, getting rid of breakouts, and getting skin actives to penetrate the skin more deeply.  Now you can get the same remarkable results in your own home with this easy to use machine.  The high frequency does not leave red marks and is a pain free and hygienic alternative to traditional massages and blackhead extractors. (Check prices)
	ANSR Beam Starter Kit Here’s another tool that uses light therapy to heal your skin and destroy acne forming bacteria.  The blue light kills bacteria deep in your pores by causing their cell walls to explode (how cool!) and the red light heals skin redness and acne scars.  All this is done painlessly and quickly.  Even if you don’t have problems with acne you will notice smaller pores, less blackheads, and smoother skin after regular use. (Check prices)
	FHI Heat Nano Weight Pro Hair Dryer Every woman knows how annoying it is to try to dry their hair with one of those wimpy hotel hair dryers that barely feels like a warm breeze.  No matter how much we want to bring our own blowdryers with us on vacation, this often isn’t possible due to the size and weight of most hair dryers.  This Nano weight hair dryer solves that problem since it weighs in at less than 3/4 of a pound.  It’s about as long as my hand from wrist to fingertips and dries my hair even faster than my regular home hair dryer.  The triple nano technology to fight frizz and flyaways are just an extra sweet bonus! (Check prices)
	Philips Sonicare Toothbrush One of the first features that people notice when we smile is our teeth.  Let’s just say that no amount of lipstick or lipgloss can replace healthy white teeth and a healthy gumline.  The Sonicare toothbrush comes with a travel adapter, UV sanitizer, and a low mess brush with less vibrations.  I really like how the Sonicare deep cleans and brushes rather than whirling erratically compared to other electric toothbrushes.  It’s even safe for people with sensitive teeth and gumlines. (Check prices)
	Silkn SensEpil Hair Removal Device Ever been sick of shaving every morning or sick of paying every other week for salon waxings?  Well now you can get laser hair removal results at home with this handheld hair removal device.  Much like laser hair removal, the Silkn SensEpil works best with light skin and dark hair as the contrast means the light can target and destroy hair roots.  It will take more than a couple cycles before you will be completely hair free but even after just several uses you will notice that you can go longer between shaves and that less body hair will grow back.  The main benefit of the SensEpil is the privacy and convenience of hair removal without going to a plastic surgeon. (Check prices)

Diorshow Iconic Mascara Review

This is the third review in my Diorshow mascara consumer review series. Diorshow Iconic mascara differs from the other mascaras in this line due to its thin brush and bias cut bristles. This is designed to give you better control in separating your lashes and adding length. Is it the right mascara for getting the longest eyelashes though? Many fashionistas swear by Diorshow Iconic but is it just all designer adoration and hype? Here’s what I found during my one month test drive.

See other reviews of Dior’s Diorshow Mascaras.

Diorshow Iconic Mascara Colors

Like the other Dior mascaras, Iconic comes in 3 colors: noir (rich black), chestnut (warm brown), and azure (navy blue).  Diorshow Iconic is marketed as a lengthening mascara more than it’s sister mascaras and I found that it was better for more of a natural makeup look.  Compared to the normal Diorshow mascara (Diorshow waterproof mascara) I got longer eyelashes rather than thicker lashes from Iconic.  I did not experience any smudges or running down my eyes during the day, even in hot muggy summer weather.

Iconic is as thick as the other Diorshow mascaras and putting it on requires some practice. You will need to wipe off a lot of the excess mascara off in the tube especially the first couple times you use it. If you get this part of the application right, then Diorshow Iconic goes on beautifully without any clumps or making your eyelashes look like spiders legs. Very little mascara is needed to get the perfect effect and I found that getting beautiful lashes with Diorshow Iconic was more about using the brush the right way rather than layering the mascara on.

Diorshow Iconic For Short Eyelashes?

I tried this mascara in black and found that like the other Dior mascaras, Diorshow Iconic held up well for many hours. Even though I have oily skin I did not have any problems with the mascara smudging or running down my cheeks. It did not flake on my face and Iconic really kept my lashes curled throughout the day.

Really the main attraction of Diorshow Iconic is the unique brush. I found that the mascara brush in Iconic is much easier to use compared to the normal Diorshow brush. This is because I have small eyes and short lashes. The regular spoolie is too big and clumsy for my short eyelashes and I often have trouble applying mascara to just several lashes or doing touch ups. The mascara wand in Diorshow Iconic solves this problem and I find it really easy to get a nice even coat of mascara on just a few lashes with just a twirl of the mascara wand.

CLICK HERE TO GET IT ON SALE

Diorshow Iconic Extreme Waterproof

There is also a waterproof version of Dior’s Iconic mascara called Diorshow Iconic Extreme Waterproof. It’s pretty much the same as Diorshow Iconic except waterproof and much longer lasting. This is a great choice if you wear contact lenses or have teary eyes.

I have found that the best makeup remover for waterproof Diorshow mascaras is regular vaseline. Many of the makeup cleansers are not strong enough to cut through these tough sticking mascaras without damaging your eyelashes. I just use vaseline to get the majority of the mascara off and then do a final rinse with my regular facial cleanser to make sure all traces are off.

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