Clinique 'Lash Doubling Mascara' Review

I think that Clinique's 'Lash Doubling Mascara,' is an incredibly great mascara. I got a sample size of it a little while ago in one of those gift with purchase specials at Nordstrom's.

The first time I tried it, I didn't think much of it. In fact, I thought it flaked all over my cheeks as the day wore on. But it must have been the eyeshadow or something that I was wearing because I have been reaching for this every day now for about the past two weeks and I love it! I literally have no complaints about it.

Pros - Lengthens, deep/inky black, separates each lash, can apply multiple coats, lasts all day, easy to wash off and remove with a normal makeup remover, doesn't make my lashes feel dry or brittle, affordable ($14 at Macy's), the wand allows you to maneuver it with ease to reach all the lashes you want to coat with the mascara.

Cons - I can't think of one, I really am impressed with this formula.

There is a great gift with purchase going on at Macy's right now (online and in the store). You can click here to see the description of the gift with purchase on Macy's website!

I will post pictures of what this mascara looks like on my eyes tomorrow. Let me know if you like this mascara as much as I do or if you have any other suggestions. I'd love to hear what you all think!

"Phisoderm 'Deep Cleaning Cream Cleanser' for Normal to Dry Skin" Review

I got 'Phisoderm Deep Cleaning Cream Cleanser' after my Basis Cleaner Clean Face Wash ran out. I figured I might as well try something new/different and let everyone know what I think about it. I was intrigued by the idea of a cream cleanser since with Fall arriving and the weather turning a bit cooler, my skin has been really dry and tight feeling.

According to Phisoderm, this cream cleanser:

• Thoroughly removes dirt, oil and makeup without drying the skin. Vitamin E helps moisturize, while natural aloe and chamomile soothe and soften skin.
• Is pH Balanced
• Is for normal to dry skin
• Dermatologist recommended
• Alcohol free
• Soap free
• Aloe and chamomile to help nourish the skin

Pros - Removes makeup thoroughly, leaves skin feeling soft and not tight, lightly moisturizing, affordable, rinses fairly clean, bottle will last a long time, sturdy bottle, pump top allows for ease and control of how much product comes out.

Cons - Doesn't entirely remove waterproof cosmetics, I wish the cap/pump was a different color, smells a bit perfumey (might not be good for people with sensitive skin).

Phisoderm has a bunch of different cleansers that can be chosen based on whatever skin type you have. I think overall, this isn't that bad of a cleanser. I would like to check out their moisturizing products and see how I like those as well.

What's your favorite face wash? Have you tried any Phisoderm products? I'd love to hear what you think!

Lime Crime 'Enchant' & 'Fairy Wings' Swatches & Review

Here are swatches of Lime Crime Magic Dusts, 'Enchant' and 'Fairy Dust.'

These are swatched over Too Faced Shadow Insurance.

Pros - You can see that 'Enchant' is a kind of grayish, dusky green color, it's good for a smoky eye look that is slightly out of the ordinary. I especially like it applied wet.

'Fairy Wings' was really hard to photograph (I apologize), it has sparks of violet and looks beautiful layered over another color (like layered over black). Since I think it's more appropriate as a layering color or a sheer wash on it's own, I would never apply it wet but I thought you guys might like to see that. I also like to use it as a highlight to my brow and cheekbone.

These shadows last a long time (product & wear-wise) so they are well worth the investment and would be especially for colors that you can't find anywhere else!

Cons - The one thing I do not like about these shadows is the container, they spill easily and do not seal tightly, causing me to get violet sparkles all over my bathroom, makeup case, etc. I find it annoying and I am tempted to transfer them into better containers.

I am definitely going to check out more Lime Crime shadows in the future, Doe Deere just revamped the website and they are now offering double the amount of product for the same price! I am for sure going to get some of the brighter pigments in the future.

Go to Lime Crime Makeup to see more color options and to buy a few for yourself!

Does anyone else have these shadows (or other Lime Crime products)? How do you like them?

Urban Decay - 'Meltdown' Nail Polish Swatch & Review

Here is what Urban's Decay new nail polish, 'Meltdown,' looks like. It is one of the nail polishes featured in the Apocalyptic Nail Kit. I think it photographs on the blue side but trust me, this is a purple nail polish.

I am in love with this bold, vibrant purple. It has an almost metallic finish to it that I feel is very modern, chic and edgy. I can't wait to continue trying the other colors I have received and I will be sure to share them with you all! I don't think there are any cons with this polish. It applied easily, dried fast, was true to color, etc. I think it is all around excellent.

'Neutrogena Clean Replenishing Shampoo' Review

I was looking for a shampoo that I could alternate with this more creamy, rich Japanese shampoo I am using. The Japanese shampoo has a tendency to leave a lot of residue after a couple of uses and I needed to switch it up. I thought about buying a more expensive brand (after the recommendation from some fellow makeup/product lovers on http://www.specktra.net/) but I decided to get something more affordable.

Low and behold, Neutrogena Clean Replenishing Shampoo.

I love this shampoo. It has a clean, subtle scent which I look forward to and does an excellent job of getting hairspray, etc. out of my hair. I also enjoy the package design, it's kind of minimalistic and sharp looking. I love a clear bottle that shows you how much shampoo you have left. I think I will definitely be buying more of this in the future.
Pros - rinses clean, smells light and wonderful, modern/clean package design, affordable, don't need a lot of product to get it to foam and clean your hair, moisturizing.
Cons - I got this at Target and I wish there was a conditioner to coincide with it, my Target doesn't offer it but I am sure other places do.

'Starz Inside: Fantastic Flesh (The Art of Make-Up EFX)' Review

See a preview of the documentary on Starz.

I just watched 'Starz Inside: Fantastic Flesh (The Art of Make-Up EFX),' which is a movie on Netflix through their Instant Watch feature. Overall, I was really impressed with it. The documentary had a lot of emphasis placed on horror movies (which aren't my favorite) but there was also the inclusion of other films that have used a lot of special makeup effects. Films such as: The Chronicles of Narnia, Planet of the Apes, Total Recall (love this one!), Kill Bill, etc.

I also liked this movie because even though there was a lot of discussion about the director of a movie, the artistic vision, intended style, etc. there was a lot of focus on key individuals who have revolutionized makeup artistry and changed the way that people have done special effects. I like that this documentary gave these individuals for the inventive and imaginative work that they have done. I was really touched by the beliefs and practices of people like Dick Smith (The Exorcist & Amadeus), who has exemplified to other artists over the years, his willingness to pass on what he knows about the industry and what tricks will gain what effect.

If you have an hour or so, definitely check out this movie, I think it's enlightening, takes you behind the scenes, shows you how a few tricky things have been done and reminds of you of movies that have altered the way that people see things and what can become of a movie.

"Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol. II" Swatches & Review

I just got the new 'Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol. II' eyeshadow palette in the mail yesterday. I couldn't wait to share it with you all! It is available on Urban Decay's website right now as well as other sites like Sephora.

All swatches seen below are over 'Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner,' which I received a sample tube of at Sephora! (See product info on Sephora).

As you can see, these eyeshadows are pigmented and lovely as usual. The ones with asterisks next to them are new shades that are currently only available in this palette. The colors range from subdued to sparkly and bold. I think this is an excellent palette that can suit both day and nighttime wear.

Here are swatches of what each of the eyeliner's look like that come with this palette. I swatched them both with and without primer, just as an experiment. I actually think they are just a tad more vibrant without primer and I like them better that way.


You can see in this picture that this palette has a pull out drawer which reveals the eyeshadows, eyeliners and makeup primer. There is also a mirror which stays shut with a hidden magnetic closure and a little book of 'inspiration' is hidden beneath the two doors with the peacock feather print on them. I personally don't think the mirror is necessary but I know there are people out there that appreciate that feature.

Pros - affordable (when you do the math, this equals $3/eyeshadow, not even counting the primer & eyeliners), good pigmentation, sturdy construction (I feel like I could carry it around & it wouldn't break), good size pans of eyeshadow, good range of glitter and matte eyeshadows, suitable colors for both day and night, will last a long time.

Cons- the drawer that pulls the eyeshadows out can get annoying and stuck-feeling, I wish it opened like a compact instead.

I really like this palette and I can't wait to show you guys some looks that I do with it! Soon to come!

What do you guys think of this palette as well as Urban Decay's other Holiday releases?