All the Vanity Blog :: Beauty, Fashion & Shopping

Fin’lly I’m back on track, and just wanna share a quick review to you on my recent beauty find: Maybelline Volum’Express Cat Eyes Mascara.

I haven’t really done cat-eyes on my peepers. Quite honestly, I don’t have a time to pull off such look. But, I’ve always wondered how my eyes would look like with it. I know many Hollywood stars are going ga-ga with this look. So, it won’t hurt for me to try it out.   Good thing, I have this mascara on my beauty armament.

I’ll definitely try the cat-eyes look on me in the future, and of course, to share to you!

Anyways, I did some testing on this Maybelline mascara with bare eyes (meaning no mascara or eyeshadow). So let’s have a quick look on what this mascara claims:

Maybelline Volum’ Express Hypercurl Cat Eyes Mascara has spiky comb that sculpts every lash, giving an instant 5x boost of volume and a 75-degree lift for wide-eyed curls and wild volume. The curl-lock formula holds curls for 18-hours giving a long-lasting and waterproof wear that does not clump. Using the easy Cat Eyes Mascara applicator and combing the outer lashes to create a glamorous fan effect – outer lashes are longer than inner lashes and giving you gorgeously feline eyes. The result—purr-fect, sexy, glamorous lashes that’s sure to attract any prey.

Putting Maybelline Volum’Express Cat Eyes Mascara to the Test

So, I give it one heck of a try. I believe I should’ve done a before and after pics (maybe next time I will!). Hence, please see the “after” pics below:

So, the mascara really lengthens my lashes literally into great heights, whilst visually volumizing them! Notice that it appears thicker in the first pic, and longer on the second. I really, really love it! I think one application is enough, though you could go swipe it twice to notice more remarkable results–especially in terms of volume!

The downside, it’s really, really prone to buildup whilst application. So better get these eyelash brushes ready to nix the clump and buildup. Luckily, it dries fast, so never fret about the clumping after. It’s not really of washable type, but can easily be removed by makeup removers or cleansing oils (I use Shu Uemura cleasing oil). Another is, it’s only available in black.

I tried wearing this all day long, and I really notice that it lasts and stays long throughout the rest of the day! xx

Of course, the price is definitely affordable at Php 429/ about $ 9. It’s one mascara must-have!

Looking back, my makeup kit (so-called kikay kit) has evolved in years. Before, it started as a tiny pouch with press powder & chapstick in it. Then, it grew up by adding liquid foundation (I used Cover Girl then), lip gloss and concealer (I used Avon concealer stick).

Back in college, I made a full switch to using VMV Hypoallergernics products: from powder-foundation down to concealer. As soon as I started working, I upgraded into using MAC Cosmetics, hence the studiofix, concealer and lots of lip glasses.

I just hate to see blemishes standing out on my face, so I stashed in Cinema Secrets Concealer to do its job.

Due to my studiofix rant (couple it with my being adverturesome when it comes to makeup), I decided to make another switch, yet again, to Shu Uemura White Recovery RX Powder-Foundation, along with its Pro Concealer.

Oh well, much has been changed. First, breakouts are finally going, going, gone (I hope this is gonna be the last time I’ll be seeing you, zits!), that’s why I don’t have to put on loads of kabuki-thick makeup. Then, I finally learned how to set my makeup to last longer (thanks to my mattifier, oil-blotting sheets and loose powder), and to practice the cardinal rule of skin care by wearing sun block everyday.

Enough gab, here’s my present kikay kit:

Starting off with my Wicked Sista makeup bag from Beauty Bar. They got pretty makeup bag designs that’s proven to be durable and waterproof. I’ve been avidly using these for almost a year. xx

Here’s what’s inside my makeup kit. I know it’s not a lot, but these are essential stuff meant for everyday use (well, at least when going out!). Products are:

Shu Uemura Sheer Colorless Loose Face Powder – Lurve this. Sets my makeup well for a smooth, flawless finish
Shu Uemura White Recovery RX Powder-Foundation in 754 - My new makeup BFF. Not too sheer, nor too heavy. It gives just-right coverage
Shu Uemura Pro Concealer in 7YR (Blendable. Perfect for Tropical Climate. I used Cinema Secrets though when I was in Belgium, coz this one was as hard as a rock! See review here)
Bloom Shadow Liner in Ebony Brown (My HG eye liner)
BeneFit Eye Shadow Duo in Fate Made me Do It (Lavender/Smoke Gray)  – I don’t really use it that often. But, this is the smallest e/s set I can stash inside my makeup bag
Lancome Virtuose Mascara – Lengthens and Defines my Lashes. See review here
Smashbox Anti Shine – Great for keeping oilies at bay. Sometimes heavy on the skin, so I don’t use it everyday. More review soon!
Chanel Lumiere Lift Concealer in Beige Lumiere – I’m a freak when it comes to anti-aging stuff. Lurve how it blends and moisturizes the skin around my eyes. Lessens its puffiness to boot. Can double as liquid foundation See review here)
MAC Slimshine Lipstick in Gaily – I don’t hafta wear lipgloss over it, coz it’s that moisturizing
MAC Lip Glass in Soft and Slow – Only if I wanted nude lips xx
MAC 3D Lip Glass in Wondershine – Has rich red color for a bolder look.
The Body Shop Lip and Cheek Stain – Good thing Body Shop reformulated this from liquid to gel. Use it everyday for that just-bitten, reddish lips.
Agent Provocateur Lip Balm – Not really that effective to keep lips from chapping. But, heart its cooling effect, making my pout look naturally redder xx
Diesel Fuel for Life Unlimited Sample – I just put it for the sole purpose of making my makeup bag smell good. Ha-ha!

(Not in pics: The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Blotting Tissues, Neutrogena Dry Touch Ultra-Sheer SPF 50 Sunblock, Shu Uemura UV Base and Shu Uemura Curlash)

Hoping to see what’s yours soon! xx

I heart mascaras because they give more definition to my eye lashes–creating curls & more volume to it! I recently compared two sample mascaras: Exceptionnel de Chanel Mascara & Lancome Virtuose Mascara.

Exceptionnel de Chanel

Exceptionnel de Chanel Mascara claims to be volumizing, curling and lasting. Its exceptional brush provides lash-by-lash application and creates an intense volume effect for precise makeup from roots to tips. Moreover, its creamy and resistant formula stretches perfectly over the entire length of lashes, and curls them to the extreme sans any clumps in sight.

Its texture ensures resistance to humidity and provides lasting hold–so rest assured that it won’t run or flake!

It comes in four sensational colors: Smoky Noir, Smoky Brun, Smoky Marine and Smoky Violine.

Lancome Virtuose

An Allure Magazine’s breakthrough award winner, Lancome Virtuose Divine Lasting Curves Mascara boasts a 100° lash curve with divine length all day.

It has CurlGuard™ formula lengthens and holds a divine lash curve for 12 hours.  The KeepCurl™ brush provides an outstanding eyelash curling effect. Its long-lasting formula is virtually smudge-proof, tear-proof and easily removable.

The Test

First, I put Exceptionnel de Chanel on the left eye (right on the pic) since I’m a leftie , and then Lancome Virtuose on the right eye (left on the pic). I wish to have a clearer image, but my camera’s not doing that. Anyways, here are the results!

Lancome Virtuose gives a bit more definition than Chanel. It’s also easier to apply. With Exceptionnel de Chanel’s unique application, I think it’s kinda time consuming to pull off. Lancome Virtuose looks more dramatic and lengthy in this picture. The camera facing up close. Eyes facing the camera.

Here, you can now visibly see Exceptionnel de Chanel. If Lancome Virtuose puts some length on my lashes, Exceptionnel de Chanel puts some volume to it–naturally! Camera facing up close. Head titled. Eyes looking upward.

The Verdict? (more…)

Looks like Barbie hearts makeup in general, as Stila launches its Barbie loves Stila Collection in commemoration of its 50th Anniversary.

If you tried and loved Barbie loves MAC, then this Stila collection will surely eat your heart out! It’s composed of various makeup sets and palettes, all beautifully crafted to fit Barbie’s glam and charm. If you want to sport an enchanting doll-face look [just like Barbie's], then grabbing one of these fabulous sets will definitely do the trick. Each set is made ideally for every Barbie’s exquisite look as it evolves through the years.

You can also opt getting Barbie loves Stila Talking Palette or  Barbie loves Stila Eye Shadow Trio & Lip Glaze Combo for a try.

The makeup sets include: (more…)

Cold, pale winter nights are finally over as we celebrate this year’s Spring with this vibrant collection from Smashbox. Smashbox Muse Spring Collection 2009 is epitomized by bold, lively colors like that of blossoming Spring flowers!

Every piece in this collection is worth keeping for. The palette compact as well as the boxes are beautifully embellished in paint splatters, which reminds me of Jackson Pollock’s masterpieces. One product to look forward to is the Cream Eye Liner Pencil that you can buy in a set of 4 lovely colors! It effectively accentuates the eyes, and is easy to blend due to its cream consistency. Of course, you won’t go wrong with the best-selling Bionic Mascara for longer, stronger and more voluminous lashes that truly stand out. The Hybrid 2-in-1 Luminizing Primer works as Photo Finish primer and highlighter in one. Lastly, the Muse Artist Eye Palette is composed of 10 velvety eye shadows plus a custom shadow brush. I consider the latter as one of the unique, practical finds in this collection.

The look won’t be complete without the Muse Blush Rush and the Muse Lip Paints that give the right amount of tinge for cheeks and lips.

Wanna get this gorgeous look? Simply watch this tutorial video featuring Smashbox National Artist Hank Hoffman here. (more…)

Last week, I was lucky enough to take a sneak peek at this ingenius product from Lancome.

Finally, there’s no need to go sideways (zigzag motion to be exact) or apply that mascara over and over again! Lancome Oscillation has made mascara application a whole lotta easier! This is the first ever vibrating mascara in the market that obviates the need to reapply mascara over and over again, or go to different directions just as to perfectly apply it to your  lashes.

Of course, it defines and lengthens eyelashes in just a sweep, with its opulent color and volumizing properties.  All you have to do is to get the wand off. Then, press the button on the handle while sweeping the brush filled with just-enough product to your lashes in an upward motion. Viola, get a pair of gorgeous peepers in pronto! (more…)