Maybelline 'The Falsies Volum'Express Waterproof Mascara - Blackest Black

Honestly, I am not that hard to please when it comes to mascara.  If it coats my lashes well, lengthens a fair amount and stays put - I'll generally like it.  I saw mixed reviews about the Falsies online when it first came out, but I still wanted to try it.  Two words: big mistake.

This is the worst mascara that I have ever tried.  It doesn't allow you to layer it and put on multiple coats, it creates spider lashes and it refuses to come off - even with a good oil-based makeup remover.  I can use a makeup remover, wash my face and take a shower and this is still clumped onto my lashes.  It feel dry and untouchable while wearing it and I don't think it makes me look like I am wearing false lashes in the slightest.

I think there are definitely other mascaras out there that are much more worth the money -  Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara comes to mind (love it still!)  Don't waste your money on the Falsies and don't accidentally damage your lashes trying your hardest to remove it at the end of the night.  I might have had a different experience if I was using the kind that wasn't waterproof but I like a waterproof mascara most of the time (in case I cry or my eyes water, I don't want it all over my face and hands!)

Have you tried this mascara?  I have seen such mixed reviews over the months and am curious to know if you have had the same experience?

Yes to Carrots Repairing Night Cream [Review]

When Winter comes, I feel the need to reach for a stronger cream or lotion.  Since I enjoyed the Yes to Carrots Shampoo and Conditioner so much, I thought I would try out there night cream.  This night cream claims to:

promote moisture retention, it softens, smoothes and firms your face, leaving you emanating a gorgeous, soft, healthy glow .

Overall, I am pretty impressed with this night cream.  It is very moisturizing, I feel like it plumps up my skin and the scent is great as well.  I haven't had any problems with my skin breaking out or anything along those lines.  I can tell that this differs from a regular lotion that I would use and falls into the cream category because of the thickness of it.  It has a fluffy, whipped texture to it and this feels nice on my skin.

Pros - moisturizing, absorbs well, wonderful scent, non-greasy.  Yes to Carrots does not test on animals, which is great as well.

Cons - somewhat odd package design, contains a lot more plastic than it needs to.  Therefore, the 1.7 fl oz. that this contains seems like it will last for about a month or so.  I was kind of surprised when I opened the lid and I realized the amount that I actually got.

Do you have a favorite night cream?  What do you suggest for me to try?

AmorePacific Moisture Bound Refreshing Hydra-Gel [Review]

I got a sample of this from Sephora and I finally tried it out.  I have to honest, I don't have much experience with "gel-based" lotions.  I guess I always reach for something creamier when I am browsing the shelves.  Nonetheless, it was fun to try something different.

Pros - soaked in well, left my skin feeling moisturized but it did not feel like I was wearing anything afterwards.

Cons - Expensive (around $100 for 1.7 oz., depending on where you buy it from) and not easy to acquire (have to go to Sephora, buy online, etc.).  I also didn't feel much of a moisturizing difference compared to any other moisturized I am currently using.  I think the pricepoint is a big deterrent from keeping me from ever going out and buying this. 

Overall, if you just have to have something expensive, then this would be your pick.  But honestly, I would much rather buy something more affordable with which I would get more for my money.  I definitely think there are other facial moisturizers that do a much better job, that are more readily available to the consumer and that don't gauge the paycheck so bad.

AmorePacific Natural Protection SPF 30/PA+++ [Review]

I got a sample of this from Sephora and I finally got around to trying it out.  I really wish this sunscreen wasn't so expensive, it was a dream to wear!

Pros - soaked in quickly, lightweight, non-greasy, doesn't leave a white cast to the face, did not make me break out.

Cons - expensive (approx. $65 depending on where you buy it), only available at certain places (Sephora, online, etc.)

Biore Dual Fusion Moisturizer + SPF 30 {Review}

As you might know by now, I am always on the search for a great sunscreen to use on my face everyday.

I tried Biore Dual Fusion Moisturizer last month and overall, I really liked it.  The lotion sank into my skin with ease, it didn't leave a white cast to my face and my skin didn't break out from it.  I like the idea of the benefits of a dual lotion and sunscreen dispenser:

By keeping the moisturizer separate from sunscreen, the unique Dual Fusion^® Moisturizer dispenser preserves the power of each formula. That means maximum effectiveness and protection for you.

The sunscreen has a powerful zinc oxide base and yet isn't heavy and white like traditional zinc oxide. The product feels light on your skin as it offers superb UVA and UVB protection.

• Botanamide^® Technology
• Non-comedogenic (won't clog pores)
• Dermatologist tested
• Hypo-allergenic
• 100% PABA free

Pros - affordable, absorbed easily into the skin, moisturizing, high amount of SPF, did not have a real strong scent, does not leave a white cast to the skin, the dual pump of moisturizer and sunscreen worked well.  Sometimes I feel like sunscreens sit on top of my skin but I didn't experience that with this one. 

Cons - I wish it came in a larger container, I feel like I ran out of it quickly.

Overall, I think this would be a great moisturizer with sunscreen to use during the Winter months.  I think that the moisturizer half worked well and I am glad to see such a high SPF in this lotion, I have found that it is a bit difficult to find a face lotion with an SPF higher than 15.  I like the idea of a higher SPF for use on the face.

Smashbox Limitless Eye Liner {Onyx} [swatch & review]

According to Sephora:

This waterproof, long-wearing eye pencil provides bold color that won't smudge or budge for up to eight hours. The creamy, easy-to-apply formula contains Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil to moisturize and protect. The cap houses a unique built-in sharpener—so you'll always have the most precise application.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens

Smashbox Limitless Eye Liner in Onyx

I think that I've found it.  This is the BEST eyeliner that I have ever tried.  It is incredibly long lasting, stays put and smudges in just the right way.  I have been wearing eyeliner for years and even when I am partially happy, I am always turned off about something when it comes to an eyeliner.  A lot of the time, it is too smudgy and doesn't stay where I want it to or it isn't as dark as I want it to be.  However, I keep reaching for this Smashbox eyeliner because it has yet to dissapoint me.

Pros - long lasting, rich color payoff, creamy and smudgable but stays put after setting, easy to apply (I don't have to tug on my skin), stays on waterline nicely, a pencil will last you a long time.

Cons - expensive (approx. $19), might be hard to find if you don't have a Sephora or an Ulta near you (order online!), only five shades to choose from.

Disclaimer: I received this eyeliner as a gift.

Crystal Castles - Year of Silence

I am so obsessed with this song right now, I think it's fantastic!  When I hear it, I want to dance and create.

Thanks for Christopher Kroll for telling me about this song.  <3

What is your favorite song right now?