The rumors were everywhere… Some Birchbox subscribers may be scoring Chantecaille Faux Cils Mascara. OMG let it be meeeeee! 

Looking rather chic, a tavel size Faux Cils arrved in my October Birchbox. Happy dance! The full size retails $42. Pricey but hey, if it does all it says it does, then why not right?

What it does according to Chantecaille

• Super-volumizing formula
• Full bristle amplifying brush
• Red seaweed extract lengthens and defines the lashes
• Special combination of natural waxes thicken and curl the lashes
• Water-resistant

A special combination of natural waxes offers a creamy, buildable texture. The result is a thickening and volumizing effect. A unique technology of a filming agent defines the lashes and perfectly adheres the rosewater-based formula to the lashes, making it extremely resistant to high humidity conditions

What it did for me:

• Didn’t really notice any super volumizing power. The volume I ended up with was average at best, despite several coats.
• I really like the brush. Not too thick, with just the right amount of bristles, it made for an easy application.
• The lengthening was so so. Nothing really all that. The mascara did a great job a defining my lashes though. No clumps even after several coats.
• Maybe it just me, but there was definitely not enough thickening. I like my lashes, define yes, but FULL for sure. And the curling part? Well, I still wish I had used my eyelash curler prior to applying it.
• I didn’t test the water resistant claims. But Faux Cils whitstand like a charm the Key West humidity. No raccoon eyes by the end of the day.

Overall I’m a not about to ditch anytime soon my current YSL Faux Cils mascara that I love so much. And I don’t know about you, for at $42 a tube I expect much, much more!

Studio Marie-Pierre rating C+

Mascara ads fall into the grossly exaggerated claims like no other beauty products. Do you really expect me to believe the model with the mile long, perfectly curled, DRAMATICALLY thick eyelashes is ONLY wearing mascara?? How do the manufacturers get away with that?!?  Consequently it becomes difficult to pick up a new mascara not really knowing what the end results will be. They all sound like miracle in a tube don’t  they?

Mac False lashes is the newest addition to MAC permanent line of mascara. It come it one shade only: False Black and cost $18. For those of you who know me, I’m a lash girl and will try just about anything. So here ya go.

From MAC: “False Lashes Mascara adds dramatic volume, the rich, creamy, volumizing formula magnifies and multiplies the look of each lash, creating dramatically thick, long, curled, exaggerated lashes. The lush brush applies a deluxe dose of heavy pigment to the lashes and works in combination with the product to create incredible volume, length and density. The pigments in the formula are treated to allow for maximum colour payoff that remains true, deep, uniform and wears all day long. It’s flake- and smudge-resistant, ophthamologist-tested and safe for contact-wearers.”

The Brush

I tend to like smaller mascara wand and this one,  in my opinion, is just the perfect size. With shorter and firm bristles I can get to the lash line easily. The brush gabs the lashes nicely enabling me to them coat them all evenly. I really like it.

The Formula

Nekkid lashes:)

With False Lashes

False Lashes excelled in delivering great length with a sweet lift to my lashes. The photo were taken without prior curling. My lashes didn’t clump despite the many layers applied in hope of achieving THE volume. The formula doesn’t dry instantly and allows for rearranging easily and I didn’t end up in spider land either.

The formula is very light and this is where I thought it failed. In no way form or shape did the mascara give me: dramatic volume, nor did  it magnifies and multiplies the look of each lash dramatically thick, long, curled, exaggerated lashes. NO WAY!

Overall

This mascara may suit someone looking for length and a little lift. If you’re looking for volume as well I just don’t see it. There are better, less expensive alternative, Voluminous by L’oreal comse immediately to mind.

Studio Marie-Pierre rating: B-

Hope your day is filled with lots of hugs and kisses and chocolates. HAPPY VALENTINE’S day to all. Smooches!  :heart:

After 4 years in the making, Benefit It’s Real! $22 (“The mascara that’s beyond belief!”) has just launched.  The ad, rather alluring, grabbed my attention immediately.  And before I knew it, It’s Real! was in my shopping cart with overnight shipping.  That how I roll when I’m excited about new beauty product.  This is my first time trying a Benefit mascara. I know some of you rave about Badgal. That may be next.

THEN just hours after placing my order I see on You Tube the HSN video.  I was astounded.  I’m all about false looking lashes (I use Latisse for God Sakes) but spider legs looking lashes? Ewwwww.

My tube arrived. The claims are hard to miss. Hello!

Length, volume, curl, separation, and lift. The whole enchilada.

 
The mascara’s special brush is apparently supposed to help deliver the goods. Staggered bristles (to enhance volume) and a spiky tip (for lift, definition and curl).
 

I have to say, I :heart: the brush. Skinny and firm, it really grabs and elongates my lashes while giving them a slight curl.

My bare lashes

My lashes after Benefit They’re Real! Without using an eyelash curler.

My test drive turned out a lot better than I thought.
As I suspected They’re Real! mascara didn’t deliver on all fronts.  I got length, lift and separation.  My complaints was the lack of volume.

Something worth noting. The application became tricky when I followed the direction and generously layered my lashes. Honestly don’t go beyond two coats, to avoid stickiness and clumps.

Overall I can see how They’re Real! could find a permanent spot in someone’s makeup bag.

Studio Marie-Pierre Rating: B+

PS. I’m on vacation (well kind of, you’re never completely off when you have a business) so the posts will be kept to once a week.  I’ll try to post photos of our trip too.  And in case you’re wondering, we’re still answering the phone and replying to emails.

Tuesday August 17, 2010

I’m a huge fan of so many things within the brand, but MAC mascaras have never done anything for me.  When Haute & Naughty came out I wasn’t going to be bothered. Nah. Curiosity eventually got the best of me, when the buzz in the blosphere about its greatness became impossible to ignore.  REALLY?  It’s that good?  Has MAC finally made a turn around with its mascara???  Three clicks later it was mine.

Here’s how it works.  Haute & Naughty ($18) gives you the options to apply your mascara in 2 different ways, it’s like two application options in one tube. Unscrew it from the glittery purple cap, and you’ll reveal a fully saturated brush, enough to get fat lashes with just one coat. Unscrew from the pink cap, and the brush comes out with a lot less product resulting in more precise application with more define lashes. Basically, when the brush is pulled out, it goes through a narrow tube, wiping off most of the excess product.  The brushes are identical it’s just the amount of product on the brush that differs.

Pink cap: Define and separate nicely. Curls a bit too.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS…

Saturday April 17, 2010

Yo ladies, it’s been a while since a mascara review.  I received several emails from past brides asking  if I’d tried Rimmel Lash flirt ($7.50).  That prompted a quick trip to the Walgreens by my house, I love Walgreens. :biggrin:

Big claims

While 80% longer lashes seems a bit much, Glam’eyes performs nicely in the lengthening department.  It noticeably extended my lashes while keeping the clump factor down to zero despite multiple coats.  I love the deepness of the pigment, black VERY black, no kiddin’.

The wand

The skinny wand is easy to maneuver.  This one is somewhat flexible which I found odd at first but got used to it by my second coat.  No biggie.  The small firm bristles really help separate the lashes.

Before and after

My lashes without mascara

My lashes with mascara

Overall

Personally I would have liked to see more volume, but then again Rimmel Lash Flirt didn’t promise big fat lashes, just “Intensely dark, flirty, fluttering lashes” which is exactly what I got.  Considering the price ($7.50) Rimmel Lash Flirt Mascara is a great drugstore find.  I would recommend to give it whirl.

Studio Marie-Pierre rating: B+

I went to be at 10pm last night and woke up at 7 am — 9 hours of sleep, what a concept!  We have lots of weddings scheduled today and even if the sky is gray it’s going to be a day full of love and loveliness. Happy wedding day to all. :heart:

Don’t follow the footsteps of others, seeek new ground and make your own path.

HAVE AN AMAZING DAY!

Thursday July 16, 2009

Hi Gals, raise a hand if you’re mascara-obsessed.

Raising 2.  LOL!

Until today, no other mascara came close to my holy grail Lancome Definicils ($24.50), for delivering the long thick, dramatic lashes that I long for.

This morning everything changed…

Faux Cils mascara ($28.50) has taken spot numero uno over my beloved Definicils, officially becoming my new fave.

Similar in the way it lengthens and thickens, what I like about Faux Cils is that (even with all the drama), my lashes remain fluttery –  They look fat, but light; defined but not spidery.  Most thickening mascara will glue my lashes together (Dior Show comes to mind on that one) Faux Cils doesn’t, even after several coats.

Faux Cils behaves impeccably, no flaking nor smudging even after at 10 hour day.  Oh yeah, nice at holding on to a curl too!

Live gorgeously.

:heart:

Monday June 1, 2009

Bonjour and happy Monday!  I get the day off after a fun filled wedding weekend.
Lots of things on my to do’s list.  The biggest one, dropping my car off for repair after wrecking my Jeep Liberty’s passenger side (yes, the entire side) against Ashlie’s brand new BMW –  Ouch.  :shocked:   All I have to say is, Thank God for insurance.

Yesterday I got to play with Maybelline Pulse Perfection.

According to Maybelline, here’s why you’ll love it:
It’s our first vibrating mascara. Transforms your lashes to perfection.

* Patent-pending elastomer brush vibrates 7,000 times per stroke
* Provides clump-free definition, intense color, and shine
* Waterproof; also available in washable formula
* Builds lash volume, length, and adds curl
* Buildable formula
* Ideal for All Skin Types
* Contact lens safe

I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that the battery operated mascara meets indeed all the claims listed on Maybelline’s website. How often does that happen?
My lashes lengthened and curled very nicely, and there was no clumping at all.  The buildable formula allowed for some thickening and the slim brush made it easy to reach all the lashes. Gotta love it.

The part I didn’t like is the button.  In order for the wand to pulse, the button must be simultaneously pressed AND held down firmly, I know it doesn’t sound like a big deal, but it felt awkward.  I’m no engineer here, but an “ON” and “OFF” switch would have made much more sense.
Given that I didn’t care for the pressing of the button, I applied Pulse Perfection on the second eye sans vibrations, and guess what my lovelies, I ended up with same results!  IS THAT MEAN THE VIBRATIONS HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THE OUTCOMES?

Bottom line, vibrations or not, the formula is what makes this mascara stand out.  Although, I’m not about to give up anytime soon my holy grail Lancome Definicil, I recommend Maybelline’s Pulse Perfection nonetheless.

Who has tried Pulse Perfection or any other vibrating mascaras?

Live gorgeously.

:heart:

Tuesday May 19, 2009

Last year was all about vibrating mascaras.  First Estee Lauder with Turbo lash then, just a few months later, Lancome Oscillation, and more recently Prescriptives who came out with Motor-Eyes.

So it was just a matter of time before Maybelline joined the vibrating mascara craze by launching its newest, Pulse Perfection ($15).  The cosmetic Mogul is first to create a competitive drugstore version of the battery powered mascara making it way more affordable.

Pulse Perfection won’t be available until July, however, Maybelline is giving us a chance to preview its newest for a very limited time only.  Follow this link and be one of the first to experience Pulse Perfection.  I’ve ordered mine, stay tuned for my review.  I’m psyched!!!!

Have you tried a vibrating mascara? Do tell!

Live gorgeously.

:heart:

Monday May 11, 2009

For everyone reading this who is a Mama, I hope you had a fabulous Mother’s day, and for everyone else a great weekend.
Mine was spent boating with my family and it was a blast.  I also took advantage of being on the water, diving and snorkeling, to try out Stila Visor waterproof.  Why not.

I coated my lashes around 10 AM, Mr. Studio was actually wondering what the heck I was doing since I never wear make-up when going on the boat… Experiment baby, experiment.

The application went pretty straight forward.  Visor didn’t clumped, curled my lashes nicely and lengthen them some, it failed miserably in the thickening department though.  The wand was skinny, just the way I like it, and made it easy to get around all the lashes.

So off we went on the Key West water with my lashes all made up.  We Snorkeled and dove, and even got caught in the rain.  VISOR didn’t move AT ALL, not a flake not a smudge — It’s like cement, for real.

A little too strong for me, making the removal process rather unpleasant, I definitely recommend Stila Lash Visor for those looking for a truly waterproof mascara.   It won’t fail you.  No way no how.

You can actually see my made up lashes if you enlarge the pictures by clicking on it.  Hilarious, hahaha!

Live gorgeously.

:heart:

Monday March 30, 2009

WHY THEY SAY YOU’LL LOVE IT
The only mascara that does for lashes what stilettos do for legs.

* The Grip & Extend brush grasps each lash and coats from every angle
* Elastic formula stretches lashes for provocative length
* Pro-Vitamin B-5 formula conditions and smoothes for black-patent shine
* Contact lens safe and Ophthalmologist tested

FOR BEST RESULTS
Sweep Grip and Extend Brush upwards from root to tip to grasp each lash and coat from every angle to achieve extreme length and shine. Continue building lashes until you reach your desired look. Do not let dry between coats. Repeat for lower lash line. Removes easily with soap and water or Maybelline® New York Expert Eyes® Eye Makeup Remover Towelettes.

WHAT IT DID FOR ME

* Length:  Definitely a lengthener mascara.  Does a fabulous job at elongating without clumping.

* Thickening:  Nope, failed miserably in that department. I applied several coat and my lashes didn’t get volumized the least bit. More for a natural look.

* Curl: Yes, nice job a curling!

* Brush:  Awesome brush for those of us who like skinny wand.  Reminds me of my beloved DefInicil

* Color: Comes in very black, soft black, and brown.  I’m a very black kinda of girl, I like the deepness of this one.  Big disappointment in regard to the “black-patent shine” claim though, my lashes didn’t appear any shiner.  I was really looking forward to that part of it.  Oh well.

* Smudge- Very clean mascara.  Stayed put an entire day of running around, working on location in heat and humidity.  Big thumbs up!

* Removal:  Nice and easy.  No tugging or pulling of the eyelids.  I used Sephora eye make-up remover and did it in a cinch.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

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