3 New Mascaras Worth Trying From It Cosmetics, Marc Jacobs and Sisley

If you watch any of my tutorials on YouTube, you know I love a dramatic lash. Slightly clumpy and very black is how I prefer my mascara formulas. Not a spidery gross clump (but I guess that is up to everyone's interpretation), but definitely some drama. I have been testing out three new formulas and found that all of them were right up my slightly clumpy/dark color/dramatic alley.

1. It Cosmetics Superhero Mascara - I believe the first time I ever tried this was on camera during one of my tutorials and I was immediately stunned by how gorgeous the formula went on. The brush is the least spiky of all three but it goes on quite thick from first swipe and builds up quickly. My below images are 2-3 coats of each, though I was surprised at how the Superhero mascara came out on camera. Because in person, I find it to be much more dramatic and beautiful. In the swatches, it came out a bit meh which I apologize for. But if you watch any of my recent tutorials, I use it in many of them. What sold me even more was there were no bits left on my brow and almost no smudging. The brush is also the easiest to maneuver and allows me to get even the smallest lash because of the narrow end. This will definitely be a repurchase for me when I run out.

2. Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Mascara - This is the newest mascara launch from Marc Jacobs and all I heard was rave reviews. So like the beauty sheep I am, I had to buy it and see for myself. I immediately liked the look of the brush and knew it would give me a beautifully separated lash, which it did. The formula is inky black, though not as dramatic as the It Cosmetics. I even let it dry a bit and tried adding a few more coats to get it to bulk up a bit, but it never quite reached the level of clumpiness that I prefer. However, I loved the long, separated and flirty lashes it gives me so I reach for it quite often. The only downside is that it leaves bits on my brow bone within an hour of applying. I would not choose this for when I need my makeup to last all day, rather a few hours or an evening out is a better choice for this formula.

3. Sisley So Curl Mascara - The original Sisley So Intense mascara is one of my all time faves (and has the oddest brush/comb ever so it takes some getting used to), so naturally I needed to try the new curling formula. The brush is much closer to a standard mascara brush than the So Intense and has a small curve to it, hence the "curling" claims. The formula managed to combine the best of the two previous mascaras into one. It builds up quickly to give the lashes some drama, separates them nicely and gives them nice length and a curl. There were no bits left on my brow bone and no smudging which made it great for all day wear. I didn't think I could enjoy a Sisley mascara formula more than the So Intense, but they managed to make one that rivals it. 

*pr samples included

Shop more of my mascara recommendations:

Foundation Review Video: La Prairie, It Cosmetics and Eve Lom

Swatches from left to right: It Cosmetics Fair, La Prairie Tendor Ivory and Eve Lom Alabaster

I have been testing out three new foundations and wanted to make a video review of my thoughts on each. Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe!

The foundations mentioned in the video:

La Prairie Skin Caviar Foundation and Concealer

Eve Lom Sheer Radiance Oil Free Foundation

It Cosmetics Illumination CC Cream

Video: April Beauty Favorites

Here is a look at my April beauty favorites:

Tony Moly Lip Balm 

By Terry Hyaluronic Sheer Nudes in Nude Pulp 

mark Total Kiss Up Plumping Lip gloss Revel 
mark Naked Love body butter
mark Naked Love shower gel
Londontown Restorative Nail Cream 
Aerin Gradual Tan for face and body
Colbert MD Intensify Facial Discs
Murad Essential C Toner
It Cosmetics Hydrating Eyeshadow Trio Naturally Pretty in Plum
Auriela Probiotic Skincare Miracle Cleanser
Beauty RX Dermstick

Glowing Cheek Colors

I may not get tan during the summer but I still love a glowing sun-kissed makeup look. Whenever I am trying to create one of those looks, cheeks are the single most important part of the look. Finding colors that create a nice flush or give a radiant glow are paramount to achieving that beachy look without actually having to be at the beach.

1. Clarins Blush Prodige Illuminating Cheek Color in Sweet Rose - This blush was part of the new Spring collection and truth be told, I was not overly jazzed about it when I first saw it. Boy was I wrong about this one. After finally giving it a go, it was stunning on the cheeks. The formula is lightweight and doesn't apply too heavily, allowing for easy application on my fair skin. There is a slight luminescent property to it that makes my cheeks glow without any glitter or shimmer. And the best part is that it pairs well with absolutely any eye or lip look I choose.

2. It Cosmetics Hello Light Illuminating Powder -While I love the look of highlighted cheeks on others, my oily skinned self is always hesitant. A great highlight can quickly turn to a greasy mess if I'm not careful. I'm already a fan of a ton of It Cosmetics products (this cc cream, this brow pencil, this lipgloss in the shade Naturally Pretty - seriously, I could go on and on), so I had high hopes for this illuminator. It does give a strong shine so I find it wears best at night or with a very light hand for day, but the magical part of it is how it transforms to a "my skin just had a facial" sheen rather than and overly made up contouring fail. And we all sadly know what that looks like. Yowza.

3. Estee Lauder Pure Color All Over Illuminator - Peachy, radiant, sun-kissed gorgeousness in a stick. That is what they should have named this product. Though it would be highly unprofessional, it would adequately describe how your skin will look after using this. I like to apply it as a blush but those with darker skin could get away with using this as a stunning highlighter for the cheekbones. I find using a brush or my fingers works well, but the key is to really buff it into the skin so that it looks like you have been lounging on a boat all day (but really we are just at our desks at work - womp).

4. Stila Cosmetics Convertible Color in Gladiola- This one is an oldie but a goodie. Stila Convertible Colors for the lips and cheeks have been around for ages, and still work as well as they did 10 years ago. Just a quick dab on the apples of my cheeks creates a bronzy flush which is a nice change from the pinker based hues I tend to gravitate towards. I love doing a monochromatic look with this cheek color adding in a orangey-bronze on the lids and a sheer coral gloss on the lips. 

*pr samples included

Video: February 2015 Beauty Favorites

I skipped January but I'm back with my monthly beauty favorites for February. Hooray!!  It's a good mix of skincare, color, and other bits. Scroll down to watch the video and don't forget to subscribe!

Have you entered my Tatcha skincare giveaway?!!! Enter here.

Below are all the products mentioned in the video:

Tatcha Indigo Soothing Silk Moisturizing Hand Cream

La Prairie Cellular 3-minute peel

Clarins Lip Comfort Oil

Diptyque Rosafolia

Tom Ford Cheek Brush

By Terry Velvet Rouge

Ilia Tinted Moisturizer

It Cosmetics Lipgloss in Naturally Pretty

Pixi Glow Tonic

New In And Loving: Ahava, Kate Somerville, It Cosmetics and Stila

These "New In and Loving" posts are some of my favorite to do. It's like a mish-mash of all different beauty things that I've tried and really enjoyed. Today's post ranges from skincare, to body products and makeup - in essence it's a little bit of everything.

1. Ahava Dry Oil Body Mist Cactus & Pink Pepper - First of all, I love oils. Second of all, I love the scent of pink pepper. But these together and I'm bound to love a product. While I have way too many body products at home, including many different oils - the one thing I hate about most of them is having to apply them with my hands. I love the idea of a spray applicator. One of my favorite body lotions of all time (this one) and my holy grail sunscreen (this one and yes you need it) both have spray nozzles and make the application process so much easier. I still have to rub it in, but to be honest the mist for this Ahava oil is so fine and delicate that in a pinch, I can get away with a spray and run. So application aside, the texture of this oil is perfect for those who want the hydration of an oil without the tackiness that often comes with them. This oil is so lightweight and absorbs almost on contact which makes it a perfect morning time staple for me. And the scent is so light and fresh, I have actually skipped fragrance a few times when wearing this.

2. It Cosmetics Your Brows But Better - It's hard to pull me away from my two favorite brow pencils, this one and this one, but I was intrigued by a brow pencil that claimed to be a "universal" shade. I did give it the side eye for a second, but surprisingly it worked perfectly! It's an easy to wear brown shade with a gray undertone that doesn't darken throughout the day. I am wearing it in this Instagram picture and think the payoff is quite natural. I am still unsure how it would look on those with super blonde hair, but to be honest I could see almost any shade of brunette or those blondes with dark roots pulling this off quite well.

3. Kate Somerville Age Arrest Hydrating Firming Mask - I've been on a roll lately with Kate Somerville masks. I just reviewed this one and this one here - and here I am back with another great option. While I have a ton of hydrating masks, this has a distinctly thicker texture and leaves my skin very firm after using. I have even slept in it and found that it wears beautifully as a sleeping mask! I just use a little less and find I wake up with beautiful supple skin. If you are looking for a hydrating mask but need it with a bit more oomph - I would recommend this one which provides the firming and anti-aging benefits as well as the moisture.

4. Stila Color Balm Lipsticks in Sophie and Isabelle - Ugh, give me all the balm lipsticks. I am such a sucker for a. lipsticks b. balm c. the perfect nude shades. I had never tried these Stila lipsticks before and frankly - I don't know why the heck not! They are BEA-U-TI-FUL. Medium coverage, soft and hydrating, longer wearing than most balms and their nude lip color options are right on the money. I fell in love with Isabelle a tad more because it really adds the perfect amount of color while still being quite nude so it can look great with nothing on the eyes or even a smokey eye.

*pr samples included

What are some of the products you have been loving lately? Tell me in the comments below! I love hearing your suggestions.

Have you entered my Tatcha skincare giveaway?!!! Enter here.

Video: Foundation Review - Zelens Youth Glow Foundation, Make Up For Ever HD Foundation, Covergirl Ready, Set Gorgeous and the IT Cosmetics CC Cream

I've been testing out a few different foundations recently and felt I would do a video review this time. Scroll down to see swatches of the foundation and watch the video. Don't forget to subscribe!

1. It Cosmetics CC Cream in the shade Fair

2. Zelens Youth Glow Foundation in the shade  Porcelain

3. MUFE High Definition Foundation in 115

4. CoverGirl Ready, Set Gorgeous in Classic Ivory 105

Video: August 2014 Beauty Favorites

This month was a big one for favorites - only two skincare items and a TON of beauty stuff. I listed all the swatches below of the eye palette and lip colors, and then my favorites video is at the bottom of the post. Enjoy!

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