Posts Tagged ‘makeup reviews’

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…

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.

BUY DIORSHOW ICONIC WATERPROOF MASCARA ON SALE

GREAT DISCOUNTS AT AMAZON!

Earlier I talked about how awesome the original Dior formula is in my Diorshow backstage mascara review. This time let’s take a look at the waterproof version! The Diorshow waterproof mascara is pretty much the same except that it stays on without running even if you sweat, cry, or go swimming. Like the original formula, Diorshow waterproof comes in 3 colors: black, azure blue, and chestnut. Diorshow waterproof in black 090 is a pretty standard bold noir and is the most popular color. The blue is really bright and BLUE. I wouldn’t say that it looks neon or anything but you can definitely see that it is a rich royal blue color even if you have dark eyelashes. I find that the blue works best for brown eyes while it tends to make blue eyes and blonde eyelashes look washed out.

Diorshow Waterproof Mascara In Black

I tried the waterproof mascara in black because I have black hair and lashes and well I’m just not rockstar enough pull off bright blue mascara. It is as thick as the original formula and goes on pretty much the same as Diorshow. The brush is a bit large and poofy so you might have a bit of problems getting to individual eyelashes and precision touch ups. Also since the mascara is so thick, you’ll have to wipe a bit off on the edge of the tube or you’ll have way too much on your lashes and end up with clumps. Like Diorshow, this mascara lasts about 2-3 months before it dries and starts to crack and flake. Diorshow waterproof is mostly a volumizing mascara that gives the illusion of thickness. Although it did lengthen my lashes a bit, it wasn’t very pronounced.

Diorshow Waterproof Mascara Smudges?

I did not have any problems with this mascara smudging or running in streaks after it had dried. Some women say that they get raccoon eyes with this mascara however I did not have this problem even in hot sweaty weather. This might be because I use powder under my eyes which helps absorb some of the excess oil that can cause waterproof mascaras to smudge.  So if you have oily skin (like me!) or just sweat a lot especially during the summer, then you might want to keep some dusting powder on hand.

I must say that besides from being waterproof, this mascara is pretty much true to the original Diorshow. I did find that it held my curls a bit better throughout the day. This might be because the waterproof version dries to a harder texture.  Diorshow waterproof mascara is a great choice if you want to glam it up during the summer without turning into a raccon.  It can withstand water, tears, heat, and even sweat.

Diorshow Waterproof Mascara Remover

Getting this mascara off proved to be pretty tricky. I tried my normal cleansers and of course they didn’t work. My oil based cleanser from Shiseido did dissolve some of the mascara but I ended up looking like a panda with a good bit of makeup still on my lashes for a good 10 minutes while I figured out what to do. Apparently, the cheapest thing in my medicine cabinet turned out to be the best solution. I finally got rid of all traces of Diorshow waterproof mascara with vaseline. All I had to do afterwards was use a bit of cleanser to get the vaseline off and I was clean as a whistle!

CLICK HERE TO GET IT NOW AT AMAZON

Diorshow Backstage Waterproof Mascara Ingredients

Ingredients: Isododecane, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Aqua (Water), Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelila) Wax, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Glycerl Hydrogenated Rosinate, Polybutene, VP/Eicosene, Copolymer, Sorbitan Isostearate, Ozokerite, PEG-2 Hydrogenated Caster Oil, Propylene Carbonate, Methylparaben, Hydroxythyl-Cellulose, Chlorphensin, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, BHT. [+/- May Contain: Mica, CI 77491, 77492, 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77007 (Ultramarines), CI 77289 (Chromium Hydroxide Green), CI 77288 (Chromium Oxide Greens)].

There are some things that are not worth paying a premium for, makeup is not one of them. With things like toilet paper I am a cheapskate and will only fork out the moolah for the cheap generic 2 ply stuff. However, with something as finicky as mascara, something like Diorshow is worth every last cent. I have tried all the drugstore brands and if hasn’t given me black eyes after an hour then it’s flaked off all over my face. Not fun! As one of the original designer brand mascaras, Diorshow has quite a following and aside from the original, there are numerous followup versions. There’s special Diorshow formulas from waterproof to extra bold black out to volumizing to lengthening. Enough variety to fit whatever mascara needs you may have. I will cover all the different mascaras under the Diorshow brand however today we will start with the classic original mascara.

Diorshow Mascara Review

As the first product introduced in the Dior line of mascaras, this is a mascara that has the largest following and is an all around formula that satisfies most people’s eye makeup demands. It comes in three colors:

1. Black – This is a deep warm black rather than a jet (blue tinted) black.
2. Chestnut – A warm reddish brown shade that would be good for blondes or those brunettes
3. Azure Blue – A rich blue that surprisingly works well with brown eyes as well as black eyelashes. The blue is not obnoxious like 80s makeup but adds a bit of pop to your eyes.
4. Plum – This is a rich purple that goes well with blue and lighter color eyes. On darker eyelashes the plum gives a tinting effect when seen from certain angles. I’ve even heard that some girls like to top off the colored mascaras (plum, azure blue) with either their brown or black mascaras to give a unique effect.

Diorshow Pros and Cons

At a little under $30 for one 0.44 oz tube, Diorshow is on par with most designer brand mascaras. I really like that the applicator brush on this mascara is not too thick and puffy since those types of brushes make it difficult to apply the mascara with accuracy especially since I have very short eyelashes and like to do touch ups to the individual eyelashes at the corners of my eyes. I got the Diorshow mascara in black and the first thing I noticed is that this is a pretty thick mascara. I had to wipe off a lot of it on the edge of the tube when I pulled the wand out the first time. Otherwise I would’ve had a giant mess on my hands, this became less of a problem after I used up more of the mascara. It goes on pretty easily and doesn’t drag on the lashes. It took a few tries and I ended up with clumps the first time I put it on because I used way too much. Once I got the application technique down I only needed to use very little product to get a very noticeable effect. Diorshow is very good for volumizing and okay for lengthening. I didn’t notice that my eyelashes were much longer than usual, but they were very thick and dark even after just a few strokes. There were no problems with clumping, spidery lashes, or any lashes sticking together. The staying power of original Diorshow is pretty good and I did not have a problem with flaking during the day. As this is not a waterproof mascara it was pretty easy to remove even with my milk type cleanser.

CLICK HERE TO COMPARE PRICES ON DIORSHOW MASCARA

My only complaints about this mascara is that since it’s such a thick formula, it can dry up fast if you are not careful. I had mine for about 4 months and it started getting crusty. After this it would flake when I tried to wear it so it had to be replaced. This should not be a problem if you use mascara everyday, but if you are only going to use this as a special occasions mascara then it might be a bit costly. If you are looking for an everyday volume boosting mascara that does not clump or smudge or flake then Diorshow is an excellent mascara.

Diorshow Mascara Discount

CLICK HERE TO GET IT ON SALE @ AMAZON

While you can get it at Sephora, I like to shop on Amazon because there are several sellers that are selling Diorshow cheap. The price is several dollars below the retail price plus some of them offer free shipping without the high minimum order amount that Sephora charges before you can get free shipping on your order. Plus some of the limited edition colors such as plum (purple) have been discontinued and are only available from individual sellers on Amazon. I know for certain that Sephora and the other big time makeup retailers don’t carry it anymore.

Diorshow Mascara Comparison

This concludes my review of the original Dior mascara. I will continue this series with reviews of the other Diorshow mascara products in this line. Next I will see how the waterproof version compares to this one in my Diorshow waterproof mascara review.

Ingredients

Aqua (Water), Glyceryl Stearate, C18-36 Acid Triglyceride, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Stearic Acid, Copernica Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Silica, Glyceryl Stearate, Isostearic Acid, Shellac, Myristic Acid, Triethanolamine, Glyceryl Hydrogenated Rosinate, PVP/VA Copolymer, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Methylparaben, Parfum (Fragrance), Diazolidinyl Urea, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Tetrasodium EDTA, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben, Geraniol, Citronellol, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde. +/- May Contain: Mica, CI 77491, 77492, 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77007 (Ultramarines), CI 75470 (Carmine), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77289 (Chromium Hydroxide Green), CI 77288 (Chromium Oxide Greens).

So far in our 3 part eyelash curler review series we have covered:

Part 1 – Japanese Eyelash Curler Reviews

Part 2 – Heated Eyelash Curler Reviews

While there are still many more lash curlers that we could cover, I only have enough time to go over these popular models.  If you are still interested in finding the best lash curlers, you should check out best eyelash curler reviews for more in depth analysis and comparisons.

Today we will conclude the series with reviews of “professional” and high end grades of metal lash curlers.  While there is nothing particularly innovative about these curlers they are marketed to women as being higher quality and accordingly come with a higher price tag.  Today we will ask whether there is any truth to these claims or if you are better off with a regular lash curler from the drugstore.

	The Zhen Professional Detail Curler is the first model we will examine.  Made by a little known boutique company, this detail eyelash curler is designed to individually target problem areas of your lashes.  I like that this eyelash curler is easy to use and comfortable to hold but while I usually like this type of lash curler, the Zhen really doesn’t curl my lashes as much as I would like.This may have something to do with the fact that there are two rubber pads on this curler instead of just having a pad on one side and a metal edge on the other side.  While I feel that the design of the Zhen is gentler on your lashes and much less likely to cause breakage and damage, it is just too soft to get a good tight curl. You can find the Zhen eyelash curler here.
	Next up, Paula Dorf’s Curl Up Lash Curler is a moderately priced curler for those of you who would like a better quality curler than the kind you find at your local Walmart.  However, this curler is priced just right and is not as expensive as some of the cult favorites such as the Shu Uemura lash curler in this review.  The Curl Up comes in a cool dark grey finish and is smooth without any rough unfinished edges.  This metal eyelash curler is sturdy and I could apply firm pressure to the handles without feeling like the curler was going to fall apart at any moment.  I also like that the clamp is not too severely curved as this means that it will fit a variety of eye shapes and sizes without pinching or pulling. I used the Paula Dorf eyelash curler for a week and every time I used it I could get a nice curl with just 6-10 seconds of firm pressure.  The curl would hold up for most of the day and I only rarely needed to do a touch up in the afternoon.  Some lash curlers do not give a good initial curl and you will need to squeeze several times in order to get the curl to ‘stick’ (see the Zhen curler up above), but I didn’t have this problem with the Curl Up.  Surely this is a sign of a great eyelash curler!  I will say that the Paula Dorf Curl Up Lash Curler is a keeper for sure! Paula Dorf Curl Up: GET IT HERE
	The last eyelash curler we will review is by Shiseido, called Shiseido’s The Makeup eyelash curler.  While this is not called a “professional” lash curler or named after a famous makeup artist, this is one of those products that you see mentioned in fashion magazines all the time as a professional tool of the trade in every makeup artist’s case.I will say that my test run with The Makeup curler has given me mixed feelings.  First I will mention the positives about this curler.  I like that it comes with a spare replacement pad so you don’t have to purchase a new eyelash curler in six months when the pad that came with the curler cracks and starts pulling on your eyelashes.  Some brands such as Shu Uemura use this tactic to get you to buy a whole new curler and refuse to sell refills.  My first impression of the Shiseido was that it is obviously finely crafted with an extremely smooth finish and absolutely no rough jagged areas even at the pivot point.  Another thing that made a great impression on me is the shape of the curler.  The curler is very shallow and just the right size for women who have smaller eyes and flatter features.  I could get right on up to the base of my eyelashes and use the curler to crimp my eyelashes right next to my lash line without any pinching at the corners of my eyes. Unfortunately, there is just something a little bit off about the Shu Uemura curler and I had to squeeze two times  at each length along my lashes to really make my eyelashes stand out.  However once I did this the curl did last for a very long time so it is not a very big deal.  All in all, while Shiseido’s The Makeup eyelash curler did not blow me away (maybe my expectations were just too large due to all the publicity and hype?), it is a quality curler that will fit a variety of eye sizes and shapes without pinching or pulling at your lashes. You can find The Makeup HERE AT AMAZON.