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:

Review: NARS Fall 2015 Collection with Swatches

NARS can really be hit or miss for me to be honest. Sometimes I love their new collections, and sometimes I am not excited for them. But this one for Fall seemed right up my alley and I found the colors to be wearable and absolutely stunning! Here are my picks from the collection:

1. Velvet Shadow Sticks in Goddess and Sukhothai (swatches are the two on the far left above) - These shadow sticks are creamy, intensely pigmented and last all day. What is there not to love? I find them easy to blend without having to rush for fear that it will set immediately. I like using the pale color, Goddess all over the lid and then the deep green, Sukhothai smudged close to the lash line. All of the colors are wearable and perfect for the fall.

2.  Dual Intensity Eyeshadows in Pasiphae and Telesto - I already have the NARS Dual Intensity Palette which I enjoy but these two are perfect additions to the collection. The rich brown, Telesto is a neutral lovers dream, while the multi-faceted green/brown Pasiphae is one of the most unique shadow colors I have seen in a long time. I wish more brands would make these duo-chrome type shadows with a brown base because as someone that prefers neutral shades, it's a great way to incorporate a bit of another color into a look without completely committing. I suspect that Pasiphae will be the one in heaviest rotation this fall.

3. Lip gloss in Baby Doll and Chelsea Girls (Baby Doll is far left, Chelsea Girls is the middle pic above) - Is it crazy that I remember these two shades when they were in the pot formulations? Does anyone else remember that? I used to LOVE these two colors but did not like having to stick my finger in a little jar each time I wanted to reapply. I am so excited to see these in a lip gloss formulation with a doe foot applicator. Baby Doll is a bit more shimmery than I prefer but after wearing it around a few days, it is growing on me. Chelsea Girls is absolutely perfect and a suitable color for day or night. It's a makeup bag staple. The formula is a tad sticky so I have to wear these when my hair is up or else any slight wind makes me look like cousin It when stray hairs stick to my lips. Womp.

4. NARS Audacious Mascara - The brush for this mascara really got me going when I pulled it out of the box. I showed a close up of it on my Instagram - see that picture here. I had high hopes for this one to give me a strong and dramatic lash. But sadly I was left very underwhelmed. The bristles are too far apart for my liking so the result is a more wispy and feathery lash rather than a thick and voluminous one. The key however to building up any bit of volume with this is to let each coat dry a bit before applying the next. The bristles will stick to the product that has dried on the lash, allowing for a denser look. However, it is still not as dense as I would prefer. But for those that have very thick lashes already, this may be a great way to give them some length and volume. For now, I will stick with my mascara faves - this one, this one and this one.

*pr samples included

What have you picked up from this collection? Any faves?

If You Love A Dramatic Lash, These Mascaras Are For You

When it comes to mascaras, the bigger the better. The more drama, the better. No wimpy, natural lashes for me. I like drama all the way. And I've found 3 new mascaras (well new to me) to add to my arsenal. 

1. Bareminerals Lash Domination - I have heard about this mascara before, but am unsure why it took me so long to try it. Regardless the reason, I am here now for it and a repurchase will need to be made when it runs out. To make that kind of statement so early on is quite something, but when you know, you just know. The brush is large, spiraled and perfect for grabbing each and every lash. It gives a glorious fanned out lash without any clumping. Out of all three, this one makes my lashes look almost false - in a good way, of course. And that is exactly the look I am going for. *blink blink* 

2. Benefit Roller Lash Mascara - After loving They're Real so much, I was hesitant to try this for fear it wouldn't live up to that type of drama. In a way, it didn't because it gives a more separated and curled lash. It's still inky black and makes my lashes stand out in a strong way, but that over-the-top drama that I love from They're Real is toned down a bit for the Roller Lash. I prefer to wear this one with eye shadow rather than a nude eye and bold lip. I like a curled and flirty lash with a fully done eye and big ridiculous lashes with no shadow and an intense lip. But if you are someone that struggles with trying to curl your lashes, the shape of this brush will greatly help that and give you that strong curl with each swipe.

3. Guerlain Maxi-Lash in Marine - Ok, so this mascara formulation isn't new to me - but the color is! And just an FYI - Guerlain Maxi-Lash is one of my holy grail mascaras. The formula is quite thin at first but after a few weeks of using it, it thickens up to the perfect consistency and gives the best lash. It's been forever since I have worn colored mascara, so this seemed like the perfect introduction back to it. It's a deep gray/blue that is subtle enough for every day, but in the light gives a hint of color. I actually love wearing this paired with a bronzey or golden eye shadow and find that the blue really stands out against those shades. Of course for a more fun look, I've been wearing it with the dark blue shade from the Guerlain spring palette. I like to line my eyes with the royal blue and then throw on the mascara for a step out of my comfort zone. Ok, I know that sounds ridiculous, but my crazy colored makeup days are far behind me, so even a royal blue is stepping out. But it feels good to do it once in a while. Heyyyyyyyy. :)

*pr samples included

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Shop some of my other mascara recommendations:

These Are The Products From Charlotte Tilbury That Should Be On Your Holiday Wish List

Sometimes I'm the first to jump on the new launch bandwagon, and other times I sit back, wait and watch for the first few months of the debut to decide if I will end up getting anything. While I thought I was going to pounce when Charlotte Tilbury first launched, I surprisingly decided to wait and test out the product in store rather than buy sight unseen. Fast forward a few months and I've finally found the products from the line that really wowed me. Here is a look at my initial stand out favorites from the Charlotte Tilbury line:

 

1. Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow - This bronzer/highlighter duo was the first product offered from the line when it initially hit the US market, yet I was skeptical about it. Bronzers can be hit or miss with me first because I'm so pale and second because I have oily skin and don't want anything too frosted. But all the reviews were so stellar that I finally had to try it for myself - and I now know why it's so loved. The bronzer works perfectly for my fair skin and the highlighter gives a gorgeous glow to the cheekbones. It must be noted that when dabbing my brush in, a lot of powder is picked up so I need to dust off the excess before applying. But once I do, my cheeks look like they've had a mini vacation.

2. Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette in The Sophisticate - I will be the first to admit that I was not totally jazzed about the eye palettes when I first saw them simply because they all seemed too shimmery. While I can do sparkly occasionally, I really wanted something I could wear every day and matte is always the answer for me. Then I saw this eye palette in Sophisticate and knew I had to have it. When I first dipped my finger into the formula to swatch it, I literally had to take a second look to make sure it was in fact a powder. It was THAT smooth and creamy. And as I suspected, it blended beautifully and has quickly become a palette I enjoy wearing regularly. As you can see from a few pictures below, the pigmentation is medium - not too intense and not too sheer. Exactly the way I prefer it.

3. Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic in First Love - This was the first CT product I owned and fell in love with it immediately. The idea is to use the two colors separately as a cheek color and apple-of-the-cheek color, but I just love swirling the two together. I have to definitely tap my brush after one swirl around the compact because the intensity is strong and a lot of product gets picked up. But once the excess is dusted off, the color looks beautiful on the cheeks. It's a nice neutral and pairs well with both nude lips and bold lips.

4. Charlotte Tilbury Color Chameleon Eyeshadow Pencil in Dark Pearl - I've professed my love for jumbo eye pencils a million times before, so it should come as no surprise that I adore this product. Out of the entire range, this will be for sure the product that I buy multiple colors of for my collection. This particular shade, Dark Pearl, is a stunning plummy brown that wears as a lid color as well as a liner color. The texture is super creamy making it easy to blend, but thankfully it dries down shortly after to a more budge-proof finish. I already have my eye on a few more shades and my poor online cart at Nordstrom is itching for me to check out already!

5. Charlotte Tilbury The Retoucher in 1 Fair - I love me some concealers and especially ones that I can use in a pinch as a foundation. This Retoucher is designed the mimic the retouching that a photographer does when editing a photo - and after test driving it for a few weeks I can say that is exactly what it does. The formula is the perfect mix of creamy yet lightweight and provides the perfect amount of coverage for my dark circles and specific areas of redness that plague my nose and chin area. And in addition to the flawless finish it provides, the staying power of this pen is quite intense. I found it to last a good 8 hours if not more without any signs of fading or disappearing. The true test will be when the summer comes around and humidity gets to it. That is when the product will really be put to the test.

6. Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes Mascara - I knew I was in for a treat just from the name of this mascara. It perfectly described how I like my lashes to look - full and FAT! I may wear my makeup more on the natural side but I like my mascaras intense and bold. No wimpy lashes here. And true to the Charlotte Tilbury look which is often quite bombshell and sultry, this mascara does not disappoint. It makes lashes look thick and long while still managing to do a great job at separating and not adding any clumps. It almost makes me want to wear a smokey eye more often. Almost. :)

*pr samples included

 

What have you tried from the Charlotte Tilbury line? Leave me a comment below!

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Video: October Beauty Favorites

So many great favorites from this past month - it was hard to narrow them all down. Many of these you may have seen me talk about recently in previous videos or on Instagram, but they were all so great that I had to mention them again. I did swatches below of both the By Terry Baume de Rose and the new Lancome Grandiose mascara. I also showed swatches of the new Gucci shadows on Instagram - see picture here.

Below are all the products mentioned in my video. Click on each to shop them. 

1. Ovando Candle in Posada 

2. Lancome Grandiose Mascara

3. By Terry Terrybly Densiliss Blush in Platonic Blonde

4. By Terry Baume de Rose in Toffee Cream

5. Cle de Peau Beaute Gentle Balancing Lotion

6. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Bronze (am also wanting to pick up this one next)

7. Rouge Bunny Rouge Finishing Powder

8. Estee Lauder Double Wear Brow Lift Duo in Rich Brown 

9. Gucci Eye Shadow in Oxydus and Starlight 

Don't forget to enter my NUDE Skincare giveaway!!! Click here to enter.

Dior Mascara Comparisons: Dior Addict It-Lash, Diorshow, and Diorshow Iconic Overcurl

Dior just released a new mascara, Dior Addict It-Lash, and since Diorshow is one of my top 3 favorite mascaras (this one and this one are my other two faves) I had to try it out. For reference, I am a larger than life mascara gal - the bigger and more volume the better. Now initially when I first tried the It-Lash, I was not a fan. Now that I have been wearing it over the past few weeks, my affinity for it has increased a smidge. I decided to compare the It-Lash with Diorshow and Diorshow Iconic Overcurl to see if any would come forward as the winner. But before I give my opinions on each, let's look at the brushes (from left to right: It-Lash, Diorshow, Iconic Overcurl):

1. Dior Addict It-Lash - The brush is small and spiky so I knew it would be good at grabbing each and every lash - which was correct. It separated my lashes quite well and gave them a delicate fanned-out look. I did try applying a few coats to see if I could build it up in volume, but sadly I couldn't get it to the kind of drama I prefer. It did smudge slightly but most mascaras do on me - so I didn't find it a deal breaker. This mascara is receiving RAVE reviews and I hate to go against the grain, but I don't love it. Like it? Yes. Love it? No. Repurchase? Probably not.

2. Diorshow - From the moment I used this years ago, until the present day it is an amazing mascara. It gives length, volume, drama, intensity - it's amazing. It can get clumpy towards the end of the tube, but would you think I'm weird if I said I don't mind clumpy lashes sometimes? Not gross clumpy lashes, but I don't need every single lash to be separated. I like a thick lash and occasionally that can mean clumpy. Feel free to judge, I'm fine with it.

3. Diorshow Iconic Overcurl - I had very high hopes for this one because it was a direct descendant of Diorshow (or at least the name said it was). Again, like the It-Lash, it feel short for me. What did not fall short was the length of my lashes - they were extra long after a few swipes. However, because I do wear a substantial amount of eye makeup every day, a thick and voluminous mascara always complements it better than a more delicate one. I have kept this one for those days that I am not wearing any makeup or very light makeup. But it will not be a repurchase for me.

Here is a look at all the mascaras swatched on my lashes. The winner undoubtedly in my opinion is still the Diorshow, but the other two were nice as a base coat for me. 

Have you tried the new Dior It-Lash? What are your thoughts? 

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Drugstore Diaries: Mascara Comparisons

I'm not a big drinker, so I don't do pub crawls. But I  am a beauty lover, so a mascara crawl is more in line with my priorities.  And that is exactly what I did. Popping in to drugstores here and there picking up a mascara each time to see how they compare to each other and to some of my favorite high end formulas. Now it should be said before we proceed that I prefer a big, bold, daring, in-your-face lash, just so you have a reference. Throughout my trials, I found one or two I liked but nothing that took me permanently away from my holy grails (this one and this one are everything in my opinion). But I haven't tried them all, so I will always continue to shop, browse, try, obsess over.....all in the name of beauty blogging aka beauty delusion. Here is a peek at each mascara and how they looked on my lashes:

1. Revlon Lash Potion - This gives a nice delicate lash - great length and a separated look. I did however have trouble building this up to the intensity I prefer. I think I would use this as a base mascara and build up another on top. See? I told you...I need drama!

2. Maybelline Falsies Volume Express Flared - So many people talk about this mascara, but I was quite underwhelmed. It was dark, which I like, but the formula was sticky (for lack of a better term) and it was hard getting a full separated lash. And it smudged in the corners of my eyes. Bummer.

3. Covergirl Clump Crusher by Lashblast - Short, stubby lashes with no oomph. Not for me unfortunately. I know there are a few different clump crusher/lashblast mascaras so perhaps I got the wrong one, and there is a fantastic one out there that I am missing. If so, let me know.  Tweet me @alittlebitetc or leave me a comment below.

4. Loreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara - I pulled out the brush and initially thought "Heck, no!" It looked so measly and miniscule I thought there was no way this could make my lashes look like anything, but then I used it and was pleasantly surprised how much drama this little wand created. Lashes looked separated, long, dark and full. I do wish it was a bit more thickening, but I suppose I can layer.  *pouts slightly*

5. Loreal Power Volume Black Smoke - This was my favorite of the bunch - giving me the most dramatic lash. Long, thick, dramatic (I wish it was a tad bit darker, but now I am just being picky), but there was only one major drawback. Flakes, flakes, flakes! It both flaked and smudged and I was so upset. I felt so fierce leaving the house that morning, lashes in full effect, and then after a few hours, I looked like I had been out for a long night of dancing. Flakes, smudges, raccoon eyes. 

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Beauty Bits: It's All In The Brush

I'm such a sucker for fabulous packaging - the sparklier and fancier the better.  But when it comes to mascara, the truth is in the wand.  Short, fat, round, spiky, long, spindly - there are almost too many to choose from at this point.  But during Nordstrom's recent buy 2 get 1 free mascara promotion (I typically share all great promotions on Twitter, so be sure to follow me @alittlebitetc), it was an easy decision.  Dior's Diorshow has been a staple in my mascara wardrobe for years - the brush is super fat and thick - and that is exactly how my lashes look after 2 coats.  Me likey.  The other two were purchases made after trying sample sizes and falling into major love with both.  Even though I typically love a dramatic full lash, Estee Lauder's Sumptuous Extreme was a must have because of the amazing length it gave my lashes.  They were feathery, light and voluminous without being heavy or clumpy.  For my final pick, I really wanted to say that I love it simply because it is Chanel (hey, at least I'm honest) - but this new Le Volume de Chanel formula is every bit the supreme quality that you would expect from this legendary brand.  The brush is a lot smaller with shorter bristles, which means that every single lash, no matter how minuscule is coated with this inky black formula.  Lashes come out full, thick, dark and long - a perfect choice for those who love lash drama (me, me, me!!!).  Do I have a favorite out of the 3?  To be honest - no.  They are all equally amazing and need to be in your mascara collection.  Not to be pushy or anything.  

What are some of your favorite mascaras?  Have been wanting to try some drugstore formulas - any recommendations?

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Beauty Bits: Chanel Inimitable Mascara Review

Because I can barely find favorites every month due to my infinite love of all cosmetics, I find it even harder to focus a single post on one product.  But when that one product really rocks my world and in this case my eyelashes - then a post it deserves.  Let me preface this post by saying that I need another mascara like I need another hole in my head, but rationalizing the beauty irrational has become quite a skill.  Now another astonishing fact you  may not know is that I have little to no Chanel makeup.  I'll give that a minute to sink in. I apologize for not bracing you for that blow - next time I will be more careful with my beauty sentiments.  The truth is I worked for a few different luxury cosmetic lines over the years, one being French, and just allowed myself to completely overlook this amazing brand.  Don't worry - I am doing my best to make up for it - and this Chanel Inimitable mascara is a great start.  

I think before we get started in the review - you should know that I simply love thick, volumizing, intense mascara formulas, so more than likely any review I ever do will fall into this category.  The packaging may seem simple and unassuming for this mascara, but what lies inside is magic to my eyes.  I think what made me fall in love with it prior to putting it on my lashes was the formula.  As I pulled the brush out of the tube, I noticed that it was not too thick and struck the perfect balance between wet and dry.  The brush was not particularly gasp-inducing as some can be due to their similarity to a medieval torture device or wheel spokes. This was a concise brush with just enough bristles to comb out my lashes effortlessly.  The smaller size of the brush enabled me to get every part of my lash, even though pesky, stubborn tiny lashes.  The formula went on smoothly, coating every lash fully and leaving a hearty amount with just a first coat.  It dried down immediately but did not make my lashes stiff and brittle, allowing me to add additional coats if so desired (and I do desire).  The true test for me was its wearability throughout the day and if it would flake off on my brow bone (yes, my lashes are that long and yes sometimes it can be a real pain) which it did not, and whether it would smudge on my outer corners, which again it did not.  It seemed to encapsulate every feature of a mascara I have been wanting, and my only thought was - what am I going to buy from Chanel next??!!  Below is a huge picture of my eyeball showcasing the mascara on my lashes -

And that freakishly big eyeball shot was taken with just one coat of mascara - imagine what it looks like when I apply my daily 13,482 coats.  So happy to begin my Chanel relationship with this product - I trust we are going to be very happy together.  If you want to join this love affair too, here is the link to the product so you can buy it too and we can all ride off into the sunset together on a happy Chanel mascara cloud. 

What other mascaras should I be coveting that you find simply irresistible?  More importantly, what other Chanel makeup should I have to give my mascara some company?  I don't want it to be lonely!!  Leave me a comment below or tweet me @alittlebitetc and tell me.  

And while we are on the subject of coveting makeup - did you see the amazing giveaway I am doing?!  The most amazing nail polish kit from one of my favorite brands, which also happens to be one of Oprah's favorite things for 2012 - it's almost too much!!!  Click here to read the post and find out more details. 

Beauty Bits: The Eyes Have It

 

No, your eyes are not deceiving you - I currently have 6 mascaras in my makeup rotation.  Why have one when you can have six?  Or seven? Or ten?  Technically, it is research for my blog, as I selflessly must sacrifice my face, lashes, skin and body for any sartorial and beauty questions that my readers may have.  So if you sit on that and let it marinate - you could deduce that I need to do this for the greater good of mankind.  It's actually quite surprising I have not been canonized yet - all in due time my friends, all in due time.  A Little Bit etc - the patron saint of blogging, kinda has a nice ring to it, ya know?  Now, where was I? Lashes - yes!  I tend to prefer quite thick, full and dramatic lashes, so I am always drawn to a denser formula with a brush that resembles an angry porcupine.  Given the opportunity to try subtle, more natural looking formulas recently, I have quickly come to appreciate the need for a mascara wardrobe - since not every day can be a stiletto, little black dress, glam fest.  (still pouting over that fact)  Variety is the spice of life - why shouldn't this apply to mascaras?  It should, and it does for me - case in point:

1. Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill - this has to be my favorite mascara currently - as the brush is incredibly porcupiney (yes, I just made it a word), and the formula dances between thick without being too thick and wet without being too wet.  It's the goldilocks of my mascaras. Just right.

2. Eyeko London Curvy Brush Mascara - I reviewed this on ThisThatBeauty some time ago, and fell in love with the delicate nature of this product.  Used as a base or on its own, it does a tremendous job of lengthening, separating and curling.  The Brits obviously know their mascara. 

3. YSL Mascara Singulier - once again a shocker for the eyes - intense volume, jet black and great at grabbing even the tiniest of lashes and coating them with mascara - how nice to include everyone.   A mascara that cares.

4.Votre Vu Eiffel Power Mascara - the pun in the name gets me every time *giggling*.  A volumizing style brush, but a slightly lighter formula.  The result is often full, separated lashes without any added drama.  I appreciate a look with dialed down drama.  And I appreciate alliteration.

5. Lancome Hypnose Drama - it must be said that this was my first Lancome mascara ever purchased, (hanging head in shame) but it certainly won't be my last.  Great brush, great formula, great look - big, bold and dramatic.  Cue Angelina Jolie's right leg. Boom.

6. Maybelline Colossal Volume Express - sounds like a train that I wanna ride.  Again - full lashes with lots of drama.  Alllll aboard?!

You know where there are also tons of cool makeup pics - my INSTAGRAM! Get on that and follow me - I'm @alittlebitetc, duh. There have been rumors that the most adorable black pug is also featured on my feed - but you would have to check it out for yourself.  I'm not one to gossip.

Beauty Bits: Lash Out

Ridiculous lashes - that's what I like.  Full, lush, long and almost offensive.  I prefer when people have to stand back because my lashes may just poke them in the face.  I have been on the hunt for a new mascara, one that would make me stand up and cheer, tell all my friends and yes - write a blog post.  Well the hunt is over, I have found it and it's a beauty.  I keep my ear to the ground, always listening for the rumblings and musings around a great product - and the town has been a-talking about this gem.  Now I know why.  "They're Real" by Benefit - such a fitting name for a mascara that could have you think twice about one's lash authenticity.  After validating in store that the brush seemed worthy of the purchase, I couldn't leave Sephora fast enough to get home to give it a test run.  The instructions say to wiggle back and forth at the base of the lash to get the most impact and then brush out from there.  The result after one stroke was separate, full, inky black, flirty lashes.  After a second coat, the result intensifies and frames the eye is the most perfect way.  The brush slightly resembles a medieval torture device, but they always say - beauty is pain.