Mascara Review: Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

 Alright folksickles...

Today I will be reviewing the Maybelline Great Lash Mascara in Very Black.

Sans Mascara:

With Mascara:

Availability: This retails anywhere from about $6 - $10 and is generally available at drugstores (and their respective websites) that sell Maybelline. I cannot guarantee availability so you may want to call your local store ahead of time.

Would I buy this again?: Probably not.

Notes: This mascara comes in two blacks, a black-brown, and a brown.
Let's go over what the mascara's supposed to do and what it actually does. According to maybelline.com: Small brush, big control. Great Lash Mascara is your timeless go-to for natural-looking volume. The small brush is easy to control for buildable volume. Our lash-doubling formula lengthens and conditions lashes for an easy, everyday makeup look. The hypoallergenic formula is ophthalmologist tested and safe for contact lens wearers. See why there's been billions of Great Lashes since 1971.
• Volumizing Mascara - this volumizing washable mascara formula builds and conditions lashes for natural-looking volume
• The small brush is easy to use giving you the control for buildable volume
• Find Your Brush Match - Great Lash Mascara has wands for all lash goals whether you want volume, a lifted curl, or corner-to-corner volume
• Gentle On Lashes - Great Lash Volumizing Mascara for natural lash volume is suitable for contact lens wearers and is ophthalmologist tested

Honestly, I find this mascara to be alright, it's good if you just want to give your lashes a natural look and a dark tint. That said, I'm someone who obviously prefers my makeup more dramatic and I like a mascara to give my lashes definition, noticeable length, and volume which I can't say this made a significant difference in. I didn't have any issues with this mascara flaking or smudging although lots of folks online say this smudges on them, so watch out for that if you decide to try it for yourself. 

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments. Thanks!

Disclaimer: I purchased this myself.

Eye Serum Review: EVELINE COSMETICS Goat Milk and Collagen Eye Contour Serum

Hello folksickles. Today's review will be for the EVELINE COSMETICS Eye Contour Serum with Goat Milk and Collagen.

Availability: As you can tell from the sticker, I purchased this at $3.39 from a pharmacy. That said, I can't seem to find this exact one online.

Would I buy this again?: Possibly.

What is this product designed to address?

According to lantale.com.ua this is what the product is and what it does (I edited some words in brackets to make this make better sense in English):

Serum for the contour of the eye based on the healing goat milk and [collagen] has a light texture, is quickly absorbed and does not leave a feeling of tightness. The serum restores and improves the elasticity of delicate skin by the eye. The [benefits are] unique, the product effectively smooths facial wrinkles around the eyes and reduces dark [circles] under the eyes. The formula of the cream enriched with milk proteins , deeply rejuvenates and nourishes, regenerates the epidermis. Vitamin cocktail gives freshness and healthy shade to the skin.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Glycerin: Helps attract moisture to the skin.

Glycine: Helps promote moisture retention, collagen production, and skin repair.

Collagen: Has a hydrating effect.

Urea: Has hydrating and skin-smoothing properties.

Linoleic Acid: Has hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties, helps rebuild skin barrier.

What is the texture like?

I'd describe the texture as a lightweight, emollient, milky lotion. 

Is it scented?

This has a faint, cold cream-like scent.

My overall experience/comments on the product:
I've been using this eye cream for a few weeks now and I feel like it's hydrating in a light way that doesn't interfere with my makeup. That being said, I don't feel like it does anything in terms of brightening under eye circles or helping with puffiness, which frankly are the two main issues I've got. I got this to try because it's inexpensive, and if all you need is lightweight hydration, it might be worth checking any Russian-speaking pharmacies in your area if they have the product. If not though, I think this is a pass.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer: I purchased this myself. 

Fragrance Review: Bath & Body Works Rose Fine Fragrance Mist

 Today I will be reviewing Bath & Body Works Fine Fragrance Mist in Rose.

Availability: This can be purchased at bathandbodyworks.com or at physical Bath & Body Works store locations. This retails at $8.95 for 2.5 fl. oz. (75 mL) and at $16.95 for 8 fl. oz. (236 mL).
Would I buy this again?: Possibly.

Notes: According to the bottle, the scent notes in this mist are: airy rose water, jasmine petals, and creamy musk.

Freshly applied, it smells like a clean, fresh, soapy rose.  As the scent dries down the rose and jasmine do become more obvious, the scent settles down and becomes sweeter. Honestly I feel like this is a nice "I've stepped out of the shower and I smell really amazing" type scent because while it's floral, it's still very clean. This is also quite an intense fragrances directly out of the bottle so if you're used to being generous with your fragrances, as I can be with certain ones that I own, I would suggest starting out with a minimal amount and building from there.

In terms of wear, I had this on for just around 10 hours and can't smell it at all.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer: I purchased this myself.

Love It Or Leave It; Review 2.0: Juvia's Place The Douce Palette

Hello folksickles. As a makeup junkie and blogger you may have realized that I review a LOAD of eyeshadow palettes and I like to think of myself as being largely an eyeshadow junkie. In order to declutter a bit  I've decided to pick out a palette or series of eyeshadows for the month and have that be my monthly selection for those instances where I'm not doing a tutorial for the blog. Every month I'll do a recap on the eyeshadows - how I feel about them and whether I'll be keeping them or giving them away (and why :P) as well as if I think it's worth its price tag. 

 Juvia's Place The Douce Palette

You can find a look I did with the palette here. These are the looks I created this month:

So as you can see I created all sorts of colorful looks with these shadows. I personally have found that these shadows are easy to blend and the pigmentation on them is fantastic. All of them work really great in my experience. I love the variety of colors that are included and how they pair with one another such that you can create brighter, more colorful looks, or stick to something more soft and neutral. I also love how there are shades in here that can be used as both blushes and highlighters as well as eyeshadow. I really enjoyed playing with this palette and did not want to put it down.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer: I purchased this palette myself. 

Exfoliator Review: Queen Helene Oatmeal 'n Honey Scrub

Queen Helene Oatmeal 'n Honey Scrub

Availability: This retails anywhere from $5 - $13 for a 6 oz (170g) tube and is available at drugstores and beauty supply stores that carry Queen Helene, you can also purchase this at amazon.com. 

Would I buy this again? Probably not.

What is this product? What is it supposed to do?

Unfortunately I am unable to find an official website for this product so, according to the tube itself: This wholesome facial scrub helps smooth away impurities and removes dead, dry skin cells. Infused with soothing Oatmeal and Honey, it helps nourish skin and prevent future moisture loss. After use, skin is refreshed and smooth with a healthy complexion.

Does this contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Walnut Shell Powder: Gently removes oil and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. 

Stearic Acid: Has skin smoothing and softening properties.

Glycerin: Helps attract moisture to the skin's surface.

Kaolin and Oat Kernel Meal: Have oil absorbing, exfoliating, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Honey: Has hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.

What is the texture like?

This has a creamy texture to it that is full of the walnut shell powder. 

Is this scented?

This has a sweet, nutty, cloying scent to it. 

What has my experience with the product been like?

Honestly, I really like the texture of this scrub wherein I find it abrasive enough to give me a good exfoliation and leave my skin soft but mild enough where it feels gentle and doesn't hurt or irritate my skin. Overall my issue with it is the scent, it smells really intense and almost artificial. The scent really tends to linger on my skin as well. I will most likely use this up because I can tolerate it but I won't be purchasing this again. 

Please let me know if you have any comments or questions.

Disclaimer: I bought this myself.

Cleanser Review: LAZY JUNGLE Rice Foam Cleanser

 'Ello folksickles. Today's review will be for the LAZY JUNGLE Rice Foam Cleanser.

Availability: I am only able to find this online at skinzephyr.com where it retails at $13.99 for 150 mL (5.07 fl. oz.). I purchased mine at my local Marshall's.

Would I buy this again?: I do like this cleanser and would be interested to try the other foam cleansers in the line if they were more easily available.

What is this product designed to address?

According to lazyjungle.co.kr:

A brightening foam cleanser with Rice that keeps your skin smooth and moisturized.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Palmitic,Stearic, Oleic, and Capric Acids: Have emollient and hydrating properties, help lock moisture in the skin.

Glycerin: Attracts moisture to the skin.
Kaolin: Has anti-inflammatory, oil-reducing, pore-refining, toning, and exfoliating properties.

Snail Secretion Filtrate: Has exfoliating, hydrating, and antimicrobial properties.

Vitamin C: Helps to brighten, lighten, and tighten the skin.

Green Tea Leaf Extract: Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Rice Extract: Has brightening, hydrating, and antioxidant properties.

Hydrolyzed Collagen: Helps improve skin elasticity and hydration; has antibacterial properties.

Retinol: Assists in speeding up the turnover of skin cells.

Epigallocatechin Gallate: Has hydrating properties and helps skin to retain moisture.

Chrysanthemum Flower Extract: Has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Cornflower Extract: Has anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties.

Borage Extract: Has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hydrating properties.

Lavender Extract: Has anti-inflammatory properties.

Vitamin E: Has antioxidant properties, helps to preserve both the product and skin from oxidative damage. 

What is the texture like?

I would describe the texture of this as a soft cream that foams up when mixed with water.

Is it scented?

This has a clean scent that I think one would associate with that of soap. 

 

My overall experience/comments on the product:

I feel like this cleanser is great in the sense of that it has that cushiony, soft, foaming quality that I love. That being said, I wish it were a bit more hydrating and I think the inclusion of kaolin and retinol in it make it not as hydrating as I wish it would've been. Given that this has retinol in it, I find that calling it a basic cleanser isn't a fair representation because while its scent is mild and it overall feels fairly mild on the skin, one has to be very mindful of wearing sunscreen when using this cleanser. Overall I like it, but I don't know that I would get this particular one again. 

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer: I purchased this myself.

Love It Or Leave It; Review 2.0: Judydoll #G33 Soft Shine Color Eyeshadow and Juvia's Place The Warrior Palette

Hello folksickles. As a makeup junkie and blogger you may have realized that I review a LOAD of eyeshadow palettes and I like to think of myself as being largely an eyeshadow junkie. In order to declutter a bit  I've decided to pick out a palette or series of eyeshadows for the month and have that be my monthly selection for those instances where I'm not doing a tutorial for the blog. Every month I'll do a recap on the eyeshadows - how I feel about them and whether I'll be keeping them or giving them away (and why :P) as well as if I think it's worth its price tag. 

Judydoll Soft Shine Color Eyeshadow in #G33 and Juvia's Place The Warrior Palette

You can find a look I did with these eyeshadows here and here. These are the looks I created this month:

So as you can see I created all sorts of golden looks with these shadows. I personally have found that these shadows are easy to blend and the pigmentation on them is fantastic. That being said, unfortunately this palette is just overall too gold for my tastes and the colors are actually darker than they appear at first glance in the palette - I mean specifically the lighter-looking shades. I am passing this palette along simply because I don't feel like I'd get much use out of it and don't reach for it often as is. I feel like, due to the color selection in here, that this palette would be beautiful on someone with a warmer undertone than me or on someone who has blue or green eyes wherein the gold will make their eye color stand out.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer: I received this palette as a gift from my wife.