London Soho New York Beauty Sponge Review

The London Soho New York Beauty Sponge is another great alternative to the Beauty Blender. (Click here to read my review on the LeCosmetique blending sponges, a great alternative to the Beauty Blender). For just around $7, I purchased my beauty sponge at my local Walgreens. I've actually been using this blending sponge for quite some time now, since last year I believe. Then I suddenly ran into an unopened box in my makeup drawer so I figured I would give it a review.

This beauty sponge is great for blending foundation onto the skin for a nice airbrushed finish. The point on both ends makes it easy to get into the hard to reach areas like under the eyes and on the sides of the nose. Unlike the blending sponge from LeCosmetique, this sponge is much pointier and it doesn't have a flat bottom. This sponge does expand when it is damp and it reminds of the tempurpedic memory foam mattress because it holds its shape for a few seconds when you squeeze it. I like to use the "press and roll" method when I use this sponge because I find I get the right amount of coverage without the cake! This is also great for applying loose powders under the eye when you're setting your concealer.

Some of the downfalls about this beauty sponge is that it doesn't have a flat side where you can "bounce" it on your face to distribute your foundation. Unless you use the side of it but I find that I'm not getting the same results as I would with the Lecosmetique blending sponge. Also, any products that gets onto it will stain the sponge and you're most likely not going to get the stain out. Trust me I've tried! Some products stain more than others so I would recommend using your finger or a brush to distribute the product and using the beauty spong to blend it all out. I find that this technique has the least amount of damage as far as staining goes.

I also noticed that this doesn't last nearly as long as the Lecosmetique blending sponge. After several uses of this sponge, it began to deteriorate. Unlike my Lecosmetique sponges, I've used them countless times and it still held its shape. Nonetheless, it's a really great product and a great alternative to the Beauty Blender for a much better price. As soon as this one gives out I'm definitely considering buying another one!

DISCLAIMER: THE PRODUCTS REVIEWED ON THIS BLOG ARE BASED ON THE OPINIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF THE AUTHOR. THIS PRODUCT WAS PURCHASED BY THE AUTHOR AND IN NO WAY WAS THIS REVIEW INFLUENCED BY THE COMPANY OF THE PRODUCT.

Maybelline The Rocket Volum'Express Mascara Waterproof Review

Maybelline The Rocket mascara is said to provide eight times the volume for your lashes. You can find this at your local drugstore for around $6-$7. When I first saw this mascara I was intrigued by the packaging and the commercial. I'm sucker for these things, okay? I first noticed how the mascara wand reminded me of the Covergirl LashBlast mascara wand, which I love! Since my natural lashes are short, the oversized wand grabs onto my lashes better. So I bought this mascara thinking it would give my lashes the same outcome if not better. I did notice a slight difference between the two though. The Rocket mascara is more pointy and slightly a bit wider in my opinion.

I've been using this mascara for more than a week now so I think it's safe to give my honest review on it. Do you ever use a mascara for the first time and it's just not that great? I find that I have to use my mascara a few times in order for the mascara to form just the right consistency for me. That's how I felt about this mascara. I first used this mascara and thought, mehhh. Nothing too great. But the more I kept using it, the better the consistency became and the better it applied to my lashes.

As you can see in the photos below, this mascara is not meant for lengthening, at least not for me. I look for more volumizing mascaras so if your'e looking for a lengthening mascara then this might not be the one for you. I thought that this mascara held the curl quite nicely throughout the day. I didn't notice any flaking which I do experience with other mascaras such as Maybelline Plush Lash mascara.

The size of the wand is not too big and it's not too small that it's difficult to apply mascara. The size of the wand distributes mascara evenly throughout my lashes without clumping. I can get away with just doing one to two coats of this mascara without any clumping. I would definitely repurchase this mascara again as it's a close second to my favorite Covergirl LashBlast!

DISCLAIMER: THE PRODUCTS REVIEWED ON THIS BLOG ARE BASED ON THE OPINIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF THE AUTHOR. THIS PRODUCT WAS PURCHASED BY THE AUTHOR AND IN NO WAY WAS THIS REVIEW INFLUENCED BY THE COMPANY OF THE PRODUCT.

Beauty Blender Dupe

LeCosmetique blending sponges are a perfect dupe for the Beauty Blender. They're not only more affordable but it blends foundation like a dream! For only $5.95 USD, this sponge will become your new best friend! Since I've started using this blending sponge (I would say about mid 2012), I haven't been reaching out to my normal foundation brushes *ahem* Sigma F80 *ahem*. Also, unlike Sonia Kashuk's blending sponge, which I know we've all probably tried before, LeCosmetique blending sponges expand when they are wet. They are soft and bouncy and make applying foundation so effortless. Right off the bat I noticed how even my foundation was. Since it doesn't absorb my foundation, I find myself using less foundation on my face.

This also works amazing for concealer. It conceals areas without lifting the product from your face. On the other hand, it is less pointy at the top than the Beauty Blender, but nonetheless the product itself is just too amazing. I should also add that I use this blending sponge to set my foundation with loose powder. It works amazing for that too, believe it or not! Sometimes adding powder can make you look cakey but using this blending sponge wet and dipping it into your setting powder creates a really flawless and poreless finish for my face.

The longevity of these blending sponges are pretty great too. I don't understand someone who throws away a blending sponge after using it one time. I've used this so many times and washed it countless times and it has still maintained its shape and quality. There is no tearing in the sponge whatsoever. I say as long as you take care of it and wash it regularly, I don't see why you can't use this over and over again.  Blending sponges are a necessity for every makeup kit out there especially the ones from LeCosmetique. You honestly won't know just how much a difference it makes until you try it for yourself.

DISCLAIMER: THE PRODUCTS REVIEWED ON THIS BLOG ARE BASED ON THE OPINIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF THE AUTHOR. THIS PRODUCT WAS PURCHASED BY THE AUTHOR AND IN NO WAY WAS THIS REVIEW INFLUENCED BY THE COMPANY OF THE PRODUCT.

My Glossy Box Package - April 2012

GLOSSY BOX is a monthly online subscription service that provides various samples of luxury products of various brands from hair care, skin care, and makeup. Glossy Box is only available in a few select countries and it was first introduced to the US not too long ago. I was very excited to see what kind of products they would provide in their first American Glossy Box. :)

Upon receiving my Glossy Box in the mail, I was really impressed by the packaging. It looked very high end, classy, and chic, which I am pretty sure is the kind of look they are going for. It was a very well put together package. :)

I love the fact that their packages consist of more high end luxury products. It gives us a better opportunity to try something, especially pricier items, rather than spending a lot of money on something to try for the first time. For this particular package I like that the products pertain to different parts of our body like nails, lips, eyes, and skin care.

Below is a list of all the products that I received.

Erno Laszlo Hollywood Collection
OPI Kiss Me on My Tulips

C.O. Bigelow Lavender & Peppermint Body Lotion

Cargo EyeBronzer

Kryolan High Gloss Brilliant Lip Shine in Toffee

Basq Cucumber Tea Eye Gel

INCLUDES:

□ Erno Laszlo Hollywood Collection
Sample of 5 creams: Morning Beauty Rescue, Refresh Moisture Infusion, Instant Eye Cream, Intensive Porcelain Veil, and Velvet Night Cream.

□ OPI Kiss Me on My Tulips
A creamy hot pink shade from OPI's new Holland Collection

□ C.O. Bigelow Lavender & Peppermint Body Lotion
This lotion was once only available in hotel rooms. Can you believe that?! It is a lightweight lotion that is non greasy, yet very moisturizing.

□ Cargo EyeBronzer
A shimmery bronze shade perfect for Spring and Summer. This works good for an "all over the lid" color.

□ Kryolan High Gloss Brilliant Lip Shine in Toffee
A "my  lips, only better" type of gloss. Gives a really great nude lip with high shine.

□ Basq Cucumber Tea Eye Gel
A gel based eye cream that feels and smells cooling on the eyes. The smell of it has quite a bit of a strong scent of menthol.

DISCLAIMER: IN NO WAY IS THIS BLOG ACCEPTING ANY FORM OF PAYMENT FOR PRODUCTS RECEIVED BY COMPANIES. THE PRODUCTS IN THIS POST WERE PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY.

Hair Therapy Wrap Product Review

Hi everyone! Today I have a hair care product to review for you all. The Hair Therapy Wrap is great for people who are into using deep conditioners, hot oils, scalp treatments or if you are just looking for an innovative way to restore your hair. I also read that it can be used to activate hair dye! I have never thought of trying this for hair dyes but maybe someday!

I have never heard of this product before and I thought it was really interesting because it reminded me a lot of childhood. (I'm about to go off topic right now.. lol) I remember growing up as a kid I remember seeing my mom use hot oils in her hair. She would put a damp towel in the microwave and wrap her damp hair in it after applying her hot oils. She would then place a plastic bag over her head! So when I started to use this wrap I couldn't help but think of my mom and how much I think she would have loved this product if she knew about it back then. :)

Anyway, as I was saying.. I have been using the Hair Therapy Wrap for about 2 months now and I would use different hair care products from deep conditioners to hot oils. I don't use this wrap that often but I would say I've used this about four times since I've gotten it and I really enjoy using it! My favorite part is rinsing out my hair and being able to run my fingers through it because of how smooth it is! It's kind of rewarding. :)

The Hair Therapy Wrap is intended to be worn up to 20 minutes. I would take full advantage of those 20 minutes especially if you experience dry, brittle hair like I do.. or if you hair is really long line mine. The longer the better. :)

The Hair Therapy Wrap includes:

□ Reusable heated hair wrap

□ Three gel packs

□ Three disposable plastic caps

PROS:

□ Helps deep conditioners penetrate your hair more deeper because of the use of heat.
□ Perfect for all hair types
□ Stays warm for about 20 minutes
□ Reusable
□ Gel packs can be heated in the microwave or in boiling water (I prefer microwave!)
□ Affordable! I know to some it might seem more than what you would want to spend on a hair care product but you get so many uses out of it so I think it is well worth the investment.

CONS:
□ A little bit uncomfortable
□ Feels pretty snug especially if you have a lot of hair like I do.. or I must have a really big head :\

FINAL THOUGHTS:
□  I have noticed my hair looking and feeling a lot more silkier and a lot more shinier. Some might think that this is caused by using a deep conditioner. I do believe that the deep conditioner has been a contributing factor to the overall health of my hair. On the other hand, I did experience my hair feeling healthier for a longer period of time and for that reason I believe was because of the use of the Hair Therapy Wrap. I like the fact that this is meant for all hair types and textures so I think that everyone can take full advantage of this product because all hair can use a little bit love!

Available at Brushlove.com for $29.95

DISCLAIMER: IN NO WAY IS THIS BLOG ACCEPTING ANY FORM OF PAYMENT FOR PRODUCTS RECEIVED BY COMPANIES. THE PRODUCTS REVIEWED ON THIS BLOG ARE BASED ON THE OPINIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF THE AUTHOR. THE PRODUCTS IN THIS REVIEW WERE PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY.

ES Natural Eyelashes from KKCenterHk

Hello all! I have another pair of false eyelashes to review for you. It's been a while since I've gone out wearing false eyelashes because 1) my eyes have not been liking them. They're always irritating my eyes and making them watery and 2) I've been going out bare faced lately. Giving my face a break just feels good :)

Anyway! These lashes are from KkCenterHk and they are style ES A533. These run for $14.50 for a box of 10 pairs.

These lashes remind me of Ardell Demi Pixie lashes but not nearly as attractive or easy to put on. These lashes are quite flimsy and I'm not a huge fan of the shape or design. I don't particularly lean towards false eyelashes that are thick and thin in some areas. I prefer them to be consistent throughout the entire lash but that's just my personal preference. Some of the lashes aren't 100% symmetrical to their corresponding half so I end up having to pick and choose which individual one I feel like matches.

Other than that I think they look really good once they're one. They look natural and they're pretty comfortable to wear. I do think for this particular pair, it is a bit expensive especially since I don't necessarily see that many uses out of one pair. I usually wear the same pair of lashes quite a few times but these lashes are more of a one time use.

DISCLAIMER: IN NO WAY IS THIS BLOG ACCEPTING ANY FORM OF PAYMENT FOR PRODUCTS RECEIVED BY COMPANIES. THE PRODUCTS REVIEWED ON THIS BLOG ARE BASED ON THE OPINIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF THE AUTHOR. THE PRODUCTS IN THIS REVIEW WERE PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY.

ES Luxuriant Spiky Tail Eyelashes from KKCenterHk

Hi everyone! Long time no blog! It's been really crazy the past few months with work and buckling down to my last few classes before I graduate. I've been putting my blog aside and I feel bad because I every year that I blog I always do more than the previous year and it's not looking too great right now! But it seems like my schedule is only getting busier; however, I've made time to update a blog post that's been sitting in my drafts for a few weeks now.

I received these lashes for review from KkCenterHk. These are in the style A510. They come in a pair of 10 lashes for $15.44 (USD).

I haven't worn lashes (or even eye makeup) for a few weeks now because my eyes have been real sensitive lately, which is why I've been putting these reviews off until now. After wearing these lashes it makes me miss wearing the long and voluminous lashes that I'm always so fond of. These lashes are right up my alley as far as drama and length goes. It does require a little bit of trimming in the corners but other than that they're fairly comfortable.

Style ES A510

DISCLAIMER: IN NO WAY IS THIS BLOG ACCEPTING ANY FORM OF PAYMENT FOR PRODUCTS RECEIVED BY COMPANIES. THE PRODUCTS REVIEWED ON THIS BLOG ARE BASED ON THE OPINIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF THE AUTHOR. THE PRODUCTS IN THIS REVIEW WERE PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY.

EOS Super Nudy Violet Lenses

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
□ Diameter: 14.5 mm
□ Base Curve: 8.6
□ Water Content: 38%
□ Price: $20.00 USD
□ Availability: Kiwiberry1-Collection

PROS:
□ Comfortable
□ Not too dramatic
□ Makes eyes look larger but not too much

CONS:
□ Not much opacity
□ Difficult to put on
□ Not much enlargement

COLOR:
□ Upon seeing these lenses I really thought they were going to be a very light lilac color but it goes on a bit darker and more lavender. It's not as opaque which I was already aware since the purple looked almost transparent, though I wonder how these would've looked if they were more opaque. I think it has really good color pay off. From a distance it's a bit lighter but up close it's more vivid and brighter. On the other hand, it's not too light where it looks creepy but it's enough to be noticeable.

COMFORT:
□ These lenses were so difficult for me to put on which is why I waited to review these last. I almost wasn't going to review them because for some reason they kept popping off! But after trying several times I finally was able to get them on and they were actually very comfortable! Very little discomfort and I experienced minimal dryness. Definitely a plus with these lenses!

FINAL THOUGHTS:
□ I was extremely surprised to see how subtle these lenses were (and I use that term very loosely). I know violet is far from natural but these lenses were very wearable and they didn't look over the top cray! The fact that these were more subtle and wearable, not to mention comfortable, is a definite thumbs up for me!

DISCLAIMER: IN NO WAY IS THIS BLOG ACCEPTING ANY FORM OF PAYMENT FOR PRODUCTS RECEIVED BY COMPANIES. THE PRODUCTS REVIEWED ON THIS BLOG ARE BASED ON THE OPINIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF THE AUTHOR. THE PRODUCTS IN THIS REVIEW WERE PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY.

Dermablend Smooth Indulgence Concealer Review

without concealer / with concealer

Ever since I saw Zombie Boy featured on a Dermablend ad for the Leg and Body Cover (click here), I instantly wanted to try their products. For a while now I've been searching high and low for my holy grail under eye concealer and although I can't exactly pinpoint what my favorite concealer is, this has definitely grown to be a favorite of mine!


AVAILABILITY: Dermablend.com
PRICE: $21.00
SIZE: .3 FL. OZ.

VALUE FOR PRICE: 5/5

APPLICATION: 5/5
PACKAGING: 5/5
MEETS EXPECTATION: 5/5
OVERALL PRODUCT: 5/5


PROS:
□ Covers dark circles and blemishes

□ Medium to full coverage

□ Has SPF 20

□ Long wearing

□ Doesn't fade

□ Doesn't settle into lines

□ Small amount goes a long way
□ Doesn't look cakey

□ Feels lightweight

□ Doesn't look drying

CONS:

□ Comes in only 8 shades

FINAL THOUGHTS: 

□ I purchased this concealer in the shade Sand and although it's a shade too light for my face, it does cover up blemishes fairly well despite its claim for being "medium coverage". This concealer works great for my dark under eye circles because it covers the darkness extremely well without accentuating them, and brightens up the eye area without fading or settling into lines. My main concern with under eye concealer is that it doesn't last throughout the day and begins to fade and crease but this concealer hasn't given me any issues.

DISCLAIMER: THE PRODUCTS REVIEWED ON THIS BLOG ARE BASED ON THE OPINIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF THE AUTHOR. THIS PRODUCT WAS PURCHASED BY THE AUTHOR AND IN NO WAY WAS THIS REVIEW INFLUENCED BY THE COMPANY OF THE PRODUCT.

Geo Xtra Sherbet Violet Lenses

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

□ Diameter: 15 mm

□ Base Curve: 8.7

□ Water Content: 38%

□ Price: $20.00

□ Availability: Kiwiberry1-Collection

PROS:

□ Feels comfortable

□ Makes eyes look bigger

□ Not too dramatic

CONS:

□ Felt drying 

□ Not as opaque

COLOR:

□ The color of the lens is a vivid royal purple but when applied it turns into a more deep purple and less vivid. If you're looking for more dramatic purple lenses then these might not be what you're looking for especially if you have dark brown eyes. I think if you have anything lighter than brown eyes then these would be more vibrant and noticeable.

COMFORT:

□ These went on comfortably without much discomfort. I think these lenses were more comfortable than  other lenses I've tried. They did begin to feel dry after a while as usual.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

□ These lenses definitely make my eyes look larger. I actually like that they are rather subtle than overly dramatic and obvious. I like that from far away the color seems almost unnoticeable until you look at it up close. I would most likely recommend this lens based on comfort and color.

DISCLAIMER: IN NO WAY IS THIS BLOG ACCEPTING ANY FORM OF PAYMENT FOR PRODUCTS RECEIVED BY COMPANIES. THE PRODUCTS REVIEWED ON THIS BLOG ARE BASED ON THE OPINIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF THE AUTHOR. THE PRODUCTS IN THIS REVIEW WERE PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY.

GnG Dueba Brown Circle Lens Review

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

□ Diameter: 14.5 mm

□ Base Curve: 8.6

□ Water Content: 38%

□ Price: $20.00

□ Availability: Kiwiberry1-Collection

PROS:

□ Feels very comfortable

□ Looks natural

□ Makes eyes look bigger

CONS:

□ Felt drying after long time of wear

COLOR:

□ The color of these lenses are a medium dark brown shade but it can look lighter depending on the lighting. I like to think of it as my eye color only bigger and better! These are extremely natural looking so if you're looking for brown lenses that are very natural, or something to enhance your brown eyes, then these are definitely a good choice.

COMFORT:

□ These went on easily and comfortably. I didn't have as many issues with these lenses as I did with others that I've tried. But as always, my eyes started to feel dry after a while of wear.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

□ I really like how these lenses give me that doe eyed look while still looking natural. These lenses are a nice way to enhance natural brown eyes because it doesn't alter too much of your eye color, though they might actually be a tad bit lighter. Either way I really like them and I would definitely use them again especially if I'm going for minimal makeup and I want have bigger and brighter eyes.

DISCLAIMER: IN NO WAY IS THIS BLOG ACCEPTING ANY FORM OF PAYMENT FOR PRODUCTS RECEIVED BY COMPANIES. THE PRODUCTS REVIEWED ON THIS BLOG ARE BASED ON THE OPINIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF THE AUTHOR. THE PRODUCTS IN THIS REVIEW WERE PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY.