February Beauty and Makeup: MAC False Lashes Mascara

Continuing my search for the perfect mascara (which to me means lengthening, separating, defining and adding volume to my lashes) I have been trying MAC False Lashes for the past few weeks! It comes in this pretty glossy black tube with a sleek, structural design that fits surprisingly well on my hand. There is only one shade available, False Black, which is regular black. So how has it been working for me?

It does a great job in separating and defining my lashes both on the top and bottom, without making a mess. I always struggle with the bottom lashes. I was pleasantly surprised that it was easy to apply on my bottom lashes. it also dried very quickly without any clumping or flaking. Also was easily removed with standard makeup remover. The only downside was that I did not notice any increase in volume. But I am still satisfied with the product and plan to use it for another couple months. It is usually time for a new mascara after about 3+ months. Then on to the next one in the journey to find the perfect mascara.

Mini Review of Mac False Lashes Mascara. You can see exactly what I am referring to above. Enjoy!

Love

Beauty: How to get smoky Eyes

Smokey eyes have been a big style for quite awhile and there's no sign this particular trend is dying. The key to the perfect smokey eye is proper blending. You want to make sure colors are blended together flawlessly. Also, it's important to pair light base colors with rich dark colors. Nice mixes include: Soft gold base with deep purple on top, champagne base with bright blue and peach base with green hue.

YouTube has 100s of do-it-yourself makeup videos from both amateur and professional makeup artists.The most popular smoky eye video on YouTube, Sandy Gold's video offers a super quick how-to chock full of tips. I love that she does the makeup application on herself.

The key to the perfect smoky eye is proper blending. You want to make sure colors are blended together flawlessly. Also, it's important to pair light base colors with rich dark colors. Nice mixes include: Soft gold base with deep purple on top, champagne base with bright blue and peach base with green hue.


1. Prep the lid. The key to keeping eyeshadow from melting into your eyelid crease as the day goes on is to kept eyelids oil-free. To do this start with an eyeshadow base (also called "primer"). I prefer to dab at bit of MAC's 'paint' on lids before shadow application. Or try Fresh Freshface Perfecting Eye Primer.

2. Apply eyeliner. If you're going for a typical black, brown or gray smoky eye, apply liner in one of those colors above the upper lash line, drawing line thicker in the middle of eye. If your opting for a jewel-toned eye (violet makes a gorgeous smoky eye), line eyes with a purple, blue or deep green liner.

3. Blend in color on bottom lashes For color on the bottom (a key smoky eye look) you'll want a lighter eyeliner. The key is to "smudge it." You can also apply a bit of shadow to get full smudge effect.

4. Apply light base color Again, the key to a smoky eye is pairing a lighter base with the darker hue. I prefer a nice cream shade for my base. Sweep a light, shimmery shadow over the lids to your browbone. I love Stila's whipped eye shadows $20. The moist "mousse" consistency seems to stay on forever. My favorite colors are taupe and pearl.

5. Blend in darker color, but keep dark color below the crease. Now that you have the base and eyeliner on, it's time to get the smoky effect. You need a darker eyeshadow shade. Using an eyeshadow brush blend in color starting at your lash line, blending up. Make sure to blend color into the lash line so the eye liner disappears. Stop deep color at crease.

6. Doublecheck your work Make sure eyes match and blend color with a Q-tip if need be.

7. Finish with several coats of volumizing mascara. Tried and true mascaras (featured in "Elle" magazine's March 2006 issue) include DiorShow Mascara & L'Oreal Paris Volume Shocking Mascara. Elle's writer says they are the best volumizers she's tried.

Love,
Andrea Nicole

Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes Mascara

Refer back to my post about the search for long and full lashes. I promised to try the Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes Mascara.

I've been using it for the past week. I am very, very pleased and surprised. The odd-shaped applicator takes some getting used to. But once you figure it out the results are amazing. it definitely produces a unique and dazzling effect that brings out the lashes and the beauty of ones eyes. It perfectly curls and and separates lashes. The result is a beautifully fanned-out panoramic effect, holding the curve of your lashes perfectly in place. Take a look at this video to see more detail. Also, it is only available at Sephora. You can order it online or purchase it at the store.

Love
Andrea Nicole Baker

Mascara - The search for long and full lashes

I have been experimenting with different mascaras for years just to get the perfect combination of long and full volume eyelashes. I have not found the perfect mascara yet but enjoying the opportunity to experiment. I just love the look of long gorgeous lashes.

This article on "Best Mascaras" actually comes closest to my experiences with top mascaras listed.

5. Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes Mascara (Short review) - Based on the price and the beautifully fanned out panoramic effect – the Givenchy Phenom’ Eyes Mascara is a superbly good buy. I personally think that no other mascara in the market, no matter how odd-shaped the sphere is – can produce the unique and dazzling effect that will just bring out the beauty of your eyes, whatever its shape and size. It’s definitely one of the best among all the mascaras out there!
(Andrea - On my short list to try next!)

4. Lancome Fatale Mascara (Short Review) - What you should know is that it will take you some time to get used to this 3D comb, but after you do – there is nothing like Fatale! :) It’s been called the best mascara for years now. If you never tried it, you definitely should! Every word in the description of this top mascara is true.
(Andrea - I have used this. it does take time to get used to the comb. The results are amazing. I use on my upper lashes only.)

3. Lancome Hypnose Mascara (Short Review) - The mascara is perfect for creating the volume AND the length, it also separates lashes greatly. Being another classic from Lancome, Hypnose is one of the best mascaras I’ve ever tried! No wonder it’s always on Beauty Best Sellers Lists!
(Andrea - Completely agree. I used it for about a year. Not sure why I stopped. Probably just the thought that there might be a mascara even better!)

2. Dior Diorshow Mascara (Short Review) - Dior Diorshow is an excellent mascara, but it does not work for everyone (for me personally it came as a challenge at first, as the wand seemed too big for my little eyelashes, but it gave amazing results once I got a hand of it). The girls with longer lashes don’t face a problem like that, usually they fall in love with this mascara at first try. They say although the brush is huge, it makes their lashes look incredible, long, well separated, with a lot of volume and curl… It’s true. I’ve seen it on my eyelashes and on the eyelashes of my friends – amazing results from a top Dior mascara!
(Andrea - This is what I am using now! I adore it! Great Results. Goes on very easily. Long and full lashes!

1. Chanel Inimitable (Short review) - Being a make-up junkie I tried it all from Maybelline for $2.99 to DiorShow for $40 (that’s what they charge for it in Moscow, can you believe it!?). But Chanel Inimitable beats them all! Just like the ad says, with the first stroke you get the lashes you’ve always wanted! But of course you will need an eye lash curler before you apply the mascara. Your lashes will be spectacular, if you always thought that you had thin and not pretty eyelashes, this is the mascara to prove you wrong, it will make them look gorgeous! The best mascara ever!
(Andrea - On my short list to try next!)

How to apply mascara.

Love
Andrea Nicole Baker

Mascara: Long and Gorgeous Lashes

Are you confused by all the different types and brands of mascara?  I love long and sexy lashes. I try something new every few months to see if there is something better.


The other day I was browsing at Sephora and found a truly creative idea.  it is called the "Lash Stash". The Last Stash allows you to test-drive a new mascara every day until you find your true lash love. It contains seven travel-size black mascaras from your favorite brands, for the longest, lushest, most-volumized lashes ever.

The kit includes a 0.14 oz Benefit A Little Bit BADgal Lash in Black, a 0.02 oz Blinc Kiss Me Mascara in Black, a 0.15 oz LORAC Publicity Stunt Lashes in Black, a 0.12 oz Smashbox Bionic Mascara in Black, a 0.24 oz Stila Multi-Effect Mascara in Black, a 1.0 oz Sephora Brand Lash Plumper in Black, and a 0.17 oz Too Faced Lash Injection in Black.

One other interesting new item i received an email about this week. It's the first vibrating power mascara and its from Lancome. It will be available in stores this fall. I can't wait to try it and see if it really makes difference.

Andrea Nicole Baker

Allure - The Beauty Bible (plus Benefit!)

Insiders call ALLURE magazine the Beauty Bible. It is one of the must magazines I subscribe to and read cover to cover every month. Check out Allure's 2007 Best of Beauty Editors' Choice Awards.

Allure has wonderful articles and pictures about beauty, fashion and lots of personal interest writing. The fashion and beauty spreads are in full color. Ever issue has a special beauty topic section including help cards with detailed instructions. It definitely helps a girl be able to focus on the products that might be just right for her.

I'm going to share some of my favorite beauty products.
Check out Benefit for some of the most incredible cosmetics today. The packaging is fun and the products definitely work.


I spent years trying to find the perfect blush that would give me a great glow on my cheeks and that also had staying power!
This is a cheek tint that goes on easily and then can be applied perfectly using a cosmetic wedge. I still use some powder blush for highlights. A quick once over with a blush brush and the look stays great all day. This definitely give cheeks (and lips) a rosy glow!


"Get Bent Lash" mascara is the first mascara that I ever used that had an angled brush to make application that much easier. It lifts, lengthens and curls lashes to perfection. Like the ad says "It's like a push-up bra for your lashes". Much more on different types of mascaras on a future posting.


I always use this eye primer to prevent greasy, creasy eye lids! It makes a great foundation for your eye shadows. It locks on shadows and leaves a smooth satin finish so you look perfectly put together all day. Tips and tricks: Use fingertips to blend evenly across the entire eye lids. A little goes a long way.



A few other Benefit beauty products I use and recommend are:

HIGHBROW: A brow lifting and defining pencil. This matte linen-pink cream works on all complexions beautifully and makes eyes and brows look younger and sexier...and isn't that what we're all after?

BO-ING: Say good-bye to circles and shadows around your eyes with boi-ing. This concealer camouflages those pesky "problems" without creasing, smudging, or wearing off. It works great! Swirl your finger in boi-ing to warm the product. Apply 3 dots under your eye area where dark circles exist. Pat to blend lightly with fingertips working from the outer and inner corner toward the middle.

"Andrea Nicole Baker"