Anyhow, it's time to focus on some good stuff, so let's get to some favorites.
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| Furry blanket background today! |
Showing posts with label mascara. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mascara. Show all posts
Friday, March 6, 2015
Favorites of February 2015
We are finally out of the longest shortest month in recent memory. The snowy weather and bitter cold has been brutal. I mean, it would be less insulting if it was, say, mid-January, but late February and feels like -9°F? C'mon Mother Nature. (It's now the first week of March, and today it's a balmy 21°F (but feels like 7°F).)
Anyhow, it's time to focus on some good stuff, so let's get to some favorites.
Anyhow, it's time to focus on some good stuff, so let's get to some favorites.
Monday, September 22, 2014
Late Summer Favorites
Happy (?) last day of summer! I thought I'd celebrate (???) the day with a favorites post. And, because I didn't write a July favorites post, and I'm slightly late with August favorites, I figured I'd just call this a "late summer favorites" list.
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer -- This tinted moisturizer has a wonderfully light texture, has a light citrus scent, and leaves the skin slightly dewy. It has decent coverage for a tinted moisturizer, and it protects the skin with an SPF of 30. I have been wearing the shade Alaska because I've been using a self-tanner, but I think I'm going to need to switch to Finland for the winter.
MDSolarSciences Mineral Creme Broad Spectrum SPF 50 UVA-UVB Sunscreen -- This stuff has an interesting texture. It's very silicone-laden, and kind of thick. I love that it has a really high SPF, but my favorite thing about it is how well it works as a makeup primer. I need to try to write a full review of this sunscreen.
Benefit They're Real! Mascara -- Whenever I use this mascara, I remember how good it is. However, I did manage to poke my eye rather seriously with the wand recently, and it really hurt.
Prada Candy -- Wearing this perfume puts me in a good mood. It's kind of a sweet, but spicy
floral-y scent that has completely different top and bottom notes, so it smells totally different after a few hours of wear. You really need to try it for yourself.
Sleek Garden of Eden Eyeshadow Palette -- I have really been enjoying this palette. My favorite shades in this palette are Eve's Kiss, Evergreen, and Fauna. Tons of possibilities with this.
I sometimes find writing favorite things lists kind of tough, because the staple items (like foundation/tinted moisturizer, mascara, powder, etc.) remain pretty much the same each month, and I use so many different other things (like eyeshadows, palettes, blushes, lip colors -- I usually mix those up everyday) that it is hard to choose favorites. Does anyone else have this problem? How do you choose what favorites to write about?
Thanks for checking out my recent favorites!
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer -- This tinted moisturizer has a wonderfully light texture, has a light citrus scent, and leaves the skin slightly dewy. It has decent coverage for a tinted moisturizer, and it protects the skin with an SPF of 30. I have been wearing the shade Alaska because I've been using a self-tanner, but I think I'm going to need to switch to Finland for the winter.
MDSolarSciences Mineral Creme Broad Spectrum SPF 50 UVA-UVB Sunscreen -- This stuff has an interesting texture. It's very silicone-laden, and kind of thick. I love that it has a really high SPF, but my favorite thing about it is how well it works as a makeup primer. I need to try to write a full review of this sunscreen.
Benefit They're Real! Mascara -- Whenever I use this mascara, I remember how good it is. However, I did manage to poke my eye rather seriously with the wand recently, and it really hurt.
Prada Candy -- Wearing this perfume puts me in a good mood. It's kind of a sweet, but spicy
floral-y scent that has completely different top and bottom notes, so it smells totally different after a few hours of wear. You really need to try it for yourself.
Sleek Garden of Eden Eyeshadow Palette -- I have really been enjoying this palette. My favorite shades in this palette are Eve's Kiss, Evergreen, and Fauna. Tons of possibilities with this.
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| from left: Eve's Kiss, Evergreen, Fauna |
I sometimes find writing favorite things lists kind of tough, because the staple items (like foundation/tinted moisturizer, mascara, powder, etc.) remain pretty much the same each month, and I use so many different other things (like eyeshadows, palettes, blushes, lip colors -- I usually mix those up everyday) that it is hard to choose favorites. Does anyone else have this problem? How do you choose what favorites to write about?
Thanks for checking out my recent favorites!
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
June 2014 Favorites
Wow. We're halfway through 2014. Okay then. Time for some recent favorites!
Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color High Gloss Nail Lacquer in Ahoy! -- This polish is from the Summer Escape 2014 summer color collection. It is a pinky coraly dark peach that screams "summer" to me. It's incredibly long wearing, and the brush makes it quick and easy to apply.
MAC Refined Golden Bronzing Powder -- The packaging is from the Alluring Aquatics collection, but the bronzer is a permanent color. It is a warm tan that looks pretty glittery in the pan, but not sparkly on the skin. It warms up my skin beautifully. I love pulling the compact out of my makeup bag (well, out of the box the that I keep in my makeup bag -- I like to pretend it's brand new every time I use it). I have to gaze at it for a bit before I use it.
L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara (review)-- This mascara is still making my favorites list. I just noticed my new tube says "Lash Out Butterfly" on it. But the picture of the tube on the L'Oreal website says "Voluminous Butterfly." Way to confuse the consumer, L'Oreal.
Revlon Colorburst Balm Crayons -- I think I'm a bit late to the party for these. I thought they would be drying and not balm-y for some reason, but after trying Rendezvous (one of the balm stains -- it's a slightly shimmery orange) this spring, I decided I needed to try more of the different formulas offered in the line. I now own Lacquer Balms in Demure and Coquette, Balm Stains in Honey and Rendezvous, and a Matte Balm in Elusive. I'm really surprised how much I like Elusive. I'm not a matte lip person, but I'm really enjoying this one! They aren't as pepperminty as I thought they would be, either, thankfully. If you haven't tried them, you probably should. I'm just saying.
Detroit Tigers Baseball -- I am watching every game I can! My favorite announcers are Rod Allen and Mario Impemba from Fox Sports Detroit. A couple of nights ago, Rajai Davis hit a walk-off grand slam. That is why you watch the game until the last pitch.
Whoo hoo summer!
P.S. I didn't include any eye products because I've been using so many different ones, that I couldn't decide on any favorites!
Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color High Gloss Nail Lacquer in Ahoy! -- This polish is from the Summer Escape 2014 summer color collection. It is a pinky coraly dark peach that screams "summer" to me. It's incredibly long wearing, and the brush makes it quick and easy to apply.
MAC Refined Golden Bronzing Powder -- The packaging is from the Alluring Aquatics collection, but the bronzer is a permanent color. It is a warm tan that looks pretty glittery in the pan, but not sparkly on the skin. It warms up my skin beautifully. I love pulling the compact out of my makeup bag (well, out of the box the that I keep in my makeup bag -- I like to pretend it's brand new every time I use it). I have to gaze at it for a bit before I use it.
L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara (review)-- This mascara is still making my favorites list. I just noticed my new tube says "Lash Out Butterfly" on it. But the picture of the tube on the L'Oreal website says "Voluminous Butterfly." Way to confuse the consumer, L'Oreal.
Revlon Colorburst Balm Crayons -- I think I'm a bit late to the party for these. I thought they would be drying and not balm-y for some reason, but after trying Rendezvous (one of the balm stains -- it's a slightly shimmery orange) this spring, I decided I needed to try more of the different formulas offered in the line. I now own Lacquer Balms in Demure and Coquette, Balm Stains in Honey and Rendezvous, and a Matte Balm in Elusive. I'm really surprised how much I like Elusive. I'm not a matte lip person, but I'm really enjoying this one! They aren't as pepperminty as I thought they would be, either, thankfully. If you haven't tried them, you probably should. I'm just saying.
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| from left: Demure, Coquette, Honey, Rendezvous, Elusive |
Detroit Tigers Baseball -- I am watching every game I can! My favorite announcers are Rod Allen and Mario Impemba from Fox Sports Detroit. A couple of nights ago, Rajai Davis hit a walk-off grand slam. That is why you watch the game until the last pitch.
Whoo hoo summer!
P.S. I didn't include any eye products because I've been using so many different ones, that I couldn't decide on any favorites!
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara Review
Writing mascara reviews is hard, in my opinion. Everybody's lashes do different things, and wants/needs from a mascara vary wildly from person to person. However, I thought I would attempt to write a review for the L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly mascara because I have been using and enjoying it so much as of late.
The brush is what really intrigued me and prompted me to buy this mascara. It is supposed to lift the outer lashes and give them extra length.
I do think it's a little weird to have a mascara whose selling point is an asymmetrical brush that is easy to hold in the dominant hand, but then not so much on the other side. Are we supposed to crane our arm around to hold it so the wider flared out part of the brush reaches the outer lashes on the non-dominant side of our body? Perhaps those of you who are ambidextrous don't have this problem. Luckily, it seems that the non-flared part of the brush works just as well to deposit mascara on the lashes, so arm-craning is not totally necessary.
Voluminous Butterfly provides my lashes with lots of length and definition. It doesn't clump or smudge, and removes easily and thoroughly with makeup remover or gentle cleansing. However... it seems to flake a little bit on me. It's not a lot, and I think the amount of flaking is relative to how much I touch my eyes throughout the day (I wear contacts). It might be worth noting that it removes in little clumps that look like the little flakies I get under my eyes. I'm not sure if that matters to anyone, but it does seem different that most other mascaras. I cannot speak to how well it holds curl because my lashes are naturally curly.
I like the L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly mascara very much. I'm impressed by the amount of length it provides without looking too over the top. Will this mascara work for you? I wish I could say. I give it a thumbs up. I do think it's worth a try if you are curious about it!
The brush is what really intrigued me and prompted me to buy this mascara. It is supposed to lift the outer lashes and give them extra length.
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| This is the side of the mascara wand with the flared bit sticking straight at the camera. |
I do think it's a little weird to have a mascara whose selling point is an asymmetrical brush that is easy to hold in the dominant hand, but then not so much on the other side. Are we supposed to crane our arm around to hold it so the wider flared out part of the brush reaches the outer lashes on the non-dominant side of our body? Perhaps those of you who are ambidextrous don't have this problem. Luckily, it seems that the non-flared part of the brush works just as well to deposit mascara on the lashes, so arm-craning is not totally necessary.
Voluminous Butterfly provides my lashes with lots of length and definition. It doesn't clump or smudge, and removes easily and thoroughly with makeup remover or gentle cleansing. However... it seems to flake a little bit on me. It's not a lot, and I think the amount of flaking is relative to how much I touch my eyes throughout the day (I wear contacts). It might be worth noting that it removes in little clumps that look like the little flakies I get under my eyes. I'm not sure if that matters to anyone, but it does seem different that most other mascaras. I cannot speak to how well it holds curl because my lashes are naturally curly.
I like the L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly mascara very much. I'm impressed by the amount of length it provides without looking too over the top. Will this mascara work for you? I wish I could say. I give it a thumbs up. I do think it's worth a try if you are curious about it!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
10 of My Favorite Makeup Items From 2013
I thought I'd share a few of my favorites makeup items of the year. I didn't include skincare or haircare because I've done favorites and empties posts for them, and they don't really change for me.
Some of these were introduced this year, and some were new to me. All of these became favorites of mine.
In no particular order:
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser -- This has a nice lightweight formula that doesn't settle into the lines around my eyes. It covers decently, and I think it is quite fun to use because of the little puff applicator.
Maybelline Color Elixir lipgloss (review) -- I think these have a lovely formula. They were introduced late in the year, but they quickly became a favorite of the year. They are some of the nicest lipglosses on the market, in my opinion. They feel plush and hydrating on the lips.
Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Sticks (review) -- These smell wonderful (if you like fruity scents), are very hydrating, and make the lips feel softer, even after they wear off.
Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush in Candy Glow-- I like that this has 3 colors of blush that you can either swirl together, or use just the coral color or the pink color (although you need a smaller brush to pick up just one color or the other). I do consider this a highlighting blush due to the shimmer, but it doesn't look glittery on the skin.
Josie Maran Coconut Water Cheek Gelee in Poppy Paradise (swatch) -- This blush is great for giving a natural flush to the cheeks. It's very easy to apply (I always use my fingers for this one) and feels sort of cooling, which is especially nice in the summer.
Too Faced Pretty Rebel Palette -- I didn't get this palette until November, but it is one of the best palettes I own. The shadows are very pigmented and soft, and there is an excellent mix of neutrals, brights, metallics, and darks.
Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy -- This was one of the great discoveries of the year for me. It is amazing how different shimmery and glittery shadows and pigments look over this.
Benefit They're Real Mascara -- I really only wear this when I want dramatic lashes. It separates, volumizes, and lengthens all at once. It is more difficult to remove than most non-waterproof mascaras which is why I don't wear it everyday.
JinSoon Nail Laquer in Nostalgia (review) -- This is my favorite nude nail color. The formula is long-wearing and shiny, even without a top coat.
Sally Hansen Lustre Shine Nail Color in Firefly (swatches)-- I wore this almost non-stop in the fall. It's a complex color that changes from pinky copper to gold with some green depending on how the light hits it.
Obviously, this is not a complete list of favorites (that could get very long), but just a few that stood out to me.
What are some of your favorites from 2013?
Some of these were introduced this year, and some were new to me. All of these became favorites of mine.
In no particular order:
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser -- This has a nice lightweight formula that doesn't settle into the lines around my eyes. It covers decently, and I think it is quite fun to use because of the little puff applicator.
Maybelline Color Elixir lipgloss (review) -- I think these have a lovely formula. They were introduced late in the year, but they quickly became a favorite of the year. They are some of the nicest lipglosses on the market, in my opinion. They feel plush and hydrating on the lips.
Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Sticks (review) -- These smell wonderful (if you like fruity scents), are very hydrating, and make the lips feel softer, even after they wear off.
Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush in Candy Glow-- I like that this has 3 colors of blush that you can either swirl together, or use just the coral color or the pink color (although you need a smaller brush to pick up just one color or the other). I do consider this a highlighting blush due to the shimmer, but it doesn't look glittery on the skin.
Josie Maran Coconut Water Cheek Gelee in Poppy Paradise (swatch) -- This blush is great for giving a natural flush to the cheeks. It's very easy to apply (I always use my fingers for this one) and feels sort of cooling, which is especially nice in the summer.
Too Faced Pretty Rebel Palette -- I didn't get this palette until November, but it is one of the best palettes I own. The shadows are very pigmented and soft, and there is an excellent mix of neutrals, brights, metallics, and darks.
Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy -- This was one of the great discoveries of the year for me. It is amazing how different shimmery and glittery shadows and pigments look over this.
Benefit They're Real Mascara -- I really only wear this when I want dramatic lashes. It separates, volumizes, and lengthens all at once. It is more difficult to remove than most non-waterproof mascaras which is why I don't wear it everyday.
JinSoon Nail Laquer in Nostalgia (review) -- This is my favorite nude nail color. The formula is long-wearing and shiny, even without a top coat.
Sally Hansen Lustre Shine Nail Color in Firefly (swatches)-- I wore this almost non-stop in the fall. It's a complex color that changes from pinky copper to gold with some green depending on how the light hits it.
Obviously, this is not a complete list of favorites (that could get very long), but just a few that stood out to me.
What are some of your favorites from 2013?
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Recent Beauty Favorites
Here are a few of my latest makeup favorites:
Maybelline Full 'N Soft Mascara -- This has become my go to mascara. I can put a thin coat on for more natural lashes, or apply a few coats for lots of volume. It leaves the lashes soft, doesn't move or flake on me, and isn't difficult to remove.
Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse -- I use this foundation much more often in the winter. It slides off my face in the summer, but it is nice and creamy, which I find works well for my skin in the winter. Depending on application, coverage can be sheer or almost full.
Maybelline Color Sensational Color Elixir in Blush Essence (review) -- I really like the formula and color of this gloss. I've been wearing it almost daily because it seems to go with everything and it is so comfortable to wear.
Too Faced Pretty Rebel palette -- I have found this palette to be surprisingly versatile. The neutrals are wonderful and very wearable for everyday, and the shimmery/sparkly colors are really fun for something more dramatic. I will admit, the hot pink is so pigmented that it intimidates me slightly.
NARS Blush in Orgasm -- For some reason I've been reaching for this peachy-pinky gold-infused blush lots lately. I used to wear it ALL the time (I'm on my third one). I've forgotten how much I like it. I think I'm going to have to break out the Super Orgasm blush (the one with the gold glitter) for Christmas and New Year's.
Orly Nail Laquer in Shine -- I have been wearing this sparkly foil polish on all ten of my nails. I think it's an interesting silver with the extra little sparkly bits.
I'm sort of amazed how many Maybelline products I'm using (I didn't even include the Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser concealer which I love and use every day).
Thanks for visiting and have a brilliant day!
Maybelline Full 'N Soft Mascara -- This has become my go to mascara. I can put a thin coat on for more natural lashes, or apply a few coats for lots of volume. It leaves the lashes soft, doesn't move or flake on me, and isn't difficult to remove.
Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse -- I use this foundation much more often in the winter. It slides off my face in the summer, but it is nice and creamy, which I find works well for my skin in the winter. Depending on application, coverage can be sheer or almost full.
Maybelline Color Sensational Color Elixir in Blush Essence (review) -- I really like the formula and color of this gloss. I've been wearing it almost daily because it seems to go with everything and it is so comfortable to wear.
Too Faced Pretty Rebel palette -- I have found this palette to be surprisingly versatile. The neutrals are wonderful and very wearable for everyday, and the shimmery/sparkly colors are really fun for something more dramatic. I will admit, the hot pink is so pigmented that it intimidates me slightly.
NARS Blush in Orgasm -- For some reason I've been reaching for this peachy-pinky gold-infused blush lots lately. I used to wear it ALL the time (I'm on my third one). I've forgotten how much I like it. I think I'm going to have to break out the Super Orgasm blush (the one with the gold glitter) for Christmas and New Year's.
Orly Nail Laquer in Shine -- I have been wearing this sparkly foil polish on all ten of my nails. I think it's an interesting silver with the extra little sparkly bits.
I'm sort of amazed how many Maybelline products I'm using (I didn't even include the Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser concealer which I love and use every day).
Thanks for visiting and have a brilliant day!
Monday, August 19, 2013
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Vision in Violet
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara has been around since the 1970's. It is one of the best (if not the best) selling mascaras and supposedly one is sold every 1.7 seconds. They just released their limited edition collection of colored Great Lash mascaras. I've been wanting to try a purple mascara for ages now, so when I heard this collection was coming out I thought I would try to find the Vision in Violet color. I was able to find the last one at my local CVS.
This is my first experience with Great Lash. It seems to give okay length with no real volume and a fairly natural look to the lashes. It doesn't clump too much and feels only slightly "crunchy" on the lashes. It removes easily with makeup remover or soap and water. (I think there are far more impressive mascaras on the market and I think it remains a best seller simply because it has been around forever and people have just stuck with what they know. Formulas and brushes have improved so much since the 70's.)
Vision in Violet just gives a little bit of purple color to the lashes. I haven't tried this over a white lash primer (because I don't own one), so it may show up with much more color over one.
You can see a little hint of purple on the lashes. I was hoping this would be slightly more vibrant, but I kind of like that it adds a little bit of of color without being over the top. I'm pretty "meh" on the formula though.
I think if I want a more vibrant purple I might need to try the new Butter London Wink mascara in Indigo Punk or a LASplash Lash Splash colored mascara.
This collection contains 6 colors and is limited edition.
This is my first experience with Great Lash. It seems to give okay length with no real volume and a fairly natural look to the lashes. It doesn't clump too much and feels only slightly "crunchy" on the lashes. It removes easily with makeup remover or soap and water. (I think there are far more impressive mascaras on the market and I think it remains a best seller simply because it has been around forever and people have just stuck with what they know. Formulas and brushes have improved so much since the 70's.)
Vision in Violet just gives a little bit of purple color to the lashes. I haven't tried this over a white lash primer (because I don't own one), so it may show up with much more color over one.
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| indoor light |
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| natural light |
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| no mascara |
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| natural light |
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| indoor light |
I think if I want a more vibrant purple I might need to try the new Butter London Wink mascara in Indigo Punk or a LASplash Lash Splash colored mascara.
This collection contains 6 colors and is limited edition.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Paula's Choice Great Big Lashes Mascara Review
Paula Begoun (aka the Cosmetics Cop) is the author of "Don't Go To the Cosmetics Counter Without Me" and the Beautypedia website www.paulaschoice.com/beautypedia. She does all sorts of reviews of cosmetics that focus on the ingredients in products and whether they are beneficial for the skin or will cause problems. I don't always agree with her reviews, but I think everything she does say is well researched. She has her own line of cosmetics called Paula's Choice. I think her skincare is excellent, so I decided to try one of her mascaras.
She makes two mascaras, one for definition and length called Illicit lash Mascara, and one for volumizing called Great Big Lashes Mascara. I decided to try the Great Big Lashes Mascara since I am always searching for a great volumizing mascara that doesn't flake or smudge. (I really like L'Oreal's Voluminous Mascara, but it smudges under my eyes about halfway through the day.)
It is packaged in a plain black tube with the name of the mascara printed in white. The brush is a medium-sized natural (non rubber) bristle brush. It seems like a standard mascara brush.
The description:
This is a kind of a dry mascara for one that is supposed to give tons of volume. I like wetter mascaras, like the L'Oreal Voluminous, since I think they build up more quickly. It doesn't give me quite the volume I was expecting. I was hoping for a false lash effect, but I get more length and a moderate amount of volume with this. I experience some very minor clumping. It dries quickly without leaving the lashes feeling "crunchy". I don't experience and smudging with this, but a very little flaking by the end of the day.
Overall, I was a little disappointed with this mascara, but I think it's because I was expecting a mascara that would give super amounts of volume in one coat. I do think it lengthens nicely and does give some volume.
Great Big Lashes Mascara is $9.95 and Paula's Choice is available at www.paulaschoice.com. (not an affiliate link)
She makes two mascaras, one for definition and length called Illicit lash Mascara, and one for volumizing called Great Big Lashes Mascara. I decided to try the Great Big Lashes Mascara since I am always searching for a great volumizing mascara that doesn't flake or smudge. (I really like L'Oreal's Voluminous Mascara, but it smudges under my eyes about halfway through the day.)
It is packaged in a plain black tube with the name of the mascara printed in white. The brush is a medium-sized natural (non rubber) bristle brush. It seems like a standard mascara brush.
The description:
- Goes on quickly and easily for maximum results, fast
- Creates impressively long, impossibly thick lashes
- Leaves lashes soft and conditioned
- Will not smudge under eyes
- Will not flake off or clump on lashes
- Comes off easily with Paula's Choice Gentle Touch Makeup Remover
- 100% fragrance free
This is a kind of a dry mascara for one that is supposed to give tons of volume. I like wetter mascaras, like the L'Oreal Voluminous, since I think they build up more quickly. It doesn't give me quite the volume I was expecting. I was hoping for a false lash effect, but I get more length and a moderate amount of volume with this. I experience some very minor clumping. It dries quickly without leaving the lashes feeling "crunchy". I don't experience and smudging with this, but a very little flaking by the end of the day.
Before
After
Overall, I was a little disappointed with this mascara, but I think it's because I was expecting a mascara that would give super amounts of volume in one coat. I do think it lengthens nicely and does give some volume.
Great Big Lashes Mascara is $9.95 and Paula's Choice is available at www.paulaschoice.com. (not an affiliate link)
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