Gorgeous Eyes in a Blinc!

Remember my introductory post to Blinc Cosmetics? After having had the chance to review two mascaras and an eyeliner from the brand, this is what I have to say about them.

First off I am going to review the mascaras, both of which feature the innovative tube technology through which the mascara forms tiny, no-smudge, water resistant tubes around each of your lashes instead of painting them like a conventional mascara. At the event we were given a sample of the Mascara Amplified in Black and I also purchased the original Mascara in Dark Green.

The difference between the two is that the Mascara Amplified can be built up with several coats to achieve the desired length and volume of the lashes while the original Mascara only enables application of one coat. Also, the Amplified Mascara comes only in Black and Brown while the original Mascara comes in an array of 6 shades. Both mascaras come in a purple tube which I am guessing serves to representing the whole tubing mascara concept and I'm digging it!

Both formulas are smudge-proof, water resistant and sweat-proof. Another thing that distinguishes Blinc Mascaras from those of other brands, is that it only takes warm water and gentle pressure to take them off. In fact you can actually see the tubes on the cotton disc! This eliminates the use of eye makeup removers, thus making Blinc mascaras perfect for individuals with sensitive eyes.

I tried both mascaras on consecutive days to see how they compare and the only difference I could see was the way my lashes looked. As far as the Amplified Mascara goes, my lashes looked more voluminous with respect to when I used the original Mascara. Both mascaras lasted all throughout the day without smudging and they only came off when I gently rubbed my eyes in the shower late in the evening. As for the Dark Green Mascara, I really like the colour but it doesn't really show up unless you're up close. The final verdict on these mascaras is still a good one though! I highly recommend them if anything for their incredible staying power!

Blinc Amplified Mascara in Black

Blinc Mascara in Dark Green & Liquid Liner in Black

I was also given a sample of the liquid Eyeliner in Black. Now I have to come clean here and confess that I am rubbish totally incapable of applying liquid eyeliner without making a huge mess and end up looking like a panda. What I did was apply my usual gel liner on the lash line as a guide and then proceeded to apply the Blinc liquid liner over it and it helped make it last longer without budging. I am very impressed with the pigmentation and fluidity of the Blinc liner. It's extremely black and once it dries, it won't budge - unless it's peeled away!

So would I recommend Blinc products? I definitely would to anyone with a busy lifestyle but as far as volume is concerned, I have mascaras which volumize my lashes better so for a glam look I would opt for an alternative mascara and top with the Blinc ones for longer lasting makeup! Other than that, all three Blinc products have impressed me greatly with their staying power!

**Try your luck at winning two products from the Blinc range in the giveaway running on my Facebook page - open till the 2nd of June 2017**

Blinc Mascara Amplified and Eyeliner were given to me by Paloma Cosmetics Ltd. for consideration while I purchased the Dark Green Mascara with my own money.

Review | Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara vs Volume Mascara

One of the most popular mascaras from Essence is the Lash Princess. Of course the packaging plays a big role in the popularity of this mascara but the performance also plays a part. I have heard people saying that they didn't like the mascara at first but then grew to love it, thus I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical at first.

However, during an Essence event that I attended earlier this year, we were given the latest version of the Lash Princess Mascara, the False Lash Effect one and I thought it was the perfect opportunity to go out and buy the Volume version so I can do a comparison between the two.

Starting with the packaging, it is exactly the same for both mascaras, except that the volumising one has coral writing while the false lash effect one has mint writing. The corset and hearts detailing on both caps are made out of rubber, which makes for a better grip. These are hands down the prettiest looking mascaras in my collection and in fact I keep them on my dresser just because they are so pretty!

The wands are what make these mascaras different. The Volume Mascara has a pretty voluptuous wand with a slight curve and a thicker end to hug the lashes and give a more natural look, while the False Lash Effect Mascara has a leaner, tapered wand that reaches all lashes for a fanned-out, spider-lashes effect that feels just like you're wearing falsies.

Essence Lash Princess Volume Mascara wand

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara wand

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara (right) and Essence Lash Princess Volume Mascara (left)

As for wear time, I haven't really noticed any difference and I haven't had any irritations whatsoever. Neither mascara is a pain to remove and just some makeup remover does the trick in no time.

Overall, I think these are very good budget mascaras and compare well to higher priced versions but I still love Max Factor ones and I will definitely stay faithful to them. If I had to choose one I would go for the volume one because I feel the formula of the false lash effect version kind of makes my lashes feel heavy. 

I believe both mascaras retail for €3.29 each for 12ml of product and I don't think you can really beat that!

Essence products can be found at various pharmacies and authorized outlets across Malta & Gozo. Like their Facebook page to stay in the know!

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara was given to me for free at a PR event while I bought the Essence Lash Princess Volume Mascara with my own money.

Review | KIKO Milano False Lashes Concentrate Waterproof Top Coat Mascara

Waterproof mascara is a must for me considering the extremely humid climate I live in. Unfortunately, not all mascaras I like come in a waterproof version and most of the time I end up putting them aside for this reason. 

Another issue with waterproof mascara is that I have heard people recounting times when they ended up with missing lashes after removing waterproof mascara so I'm afraid waterproof mascara is not for everyone...until now that is!

In my last KIKO order I got two tubes of their False Lashes Concentrate Waterproof Top Coat Mascara out of curiosity and I tried it out as soon as I received my package.

The product is presented in a black carton box and the tube itself is an electric blue chrome in colour - very apt for a waterproof product and it stands out so I like that. I just wish it didn't scratch away that easily. The wand has different sized bristles that enable you to coat all your lashes, even the smallest ones with this top coat mascara.

The product is actually a dense clear gel with no smell that you apply over regular mascara in practically the same manner and allow it to dry.

I have tried this top coat on a variety of mascaras from Catrice, Avon, Pupa Milano and Max Factor and the results have always been astounding - it really does turn them into waterproof versions! With certain brands, waterproof mascara can be a little more expensive so you could say that this product will save you some money as well! As a side note, I have not seen a difference as to length and volume of my lashes.

The KIKO Milano False Lashes Concentrate range has a variety of top and base coat mascaras to help you achieve different looks and all retail at €7.20 from the KIKO Milano website.

Review | Max Factor Excess Volume Extreme Impact Mascara

Mascara, to me is an everyday makeup staple and I rarely leave the house without it. Obviously, being a makeup addict, I have mascara for everyday use and others for more dramatic night looks. Max Factor's Excess Volume Mascara falls into the latter category and it has been my go-to evening mascara ever since I was introduced to it as part of a competition that Max Factor Malta was holding on their Facebook page.

 

The mascara is presented in a rather big 20ml double ended tube and it has a 'Extreme Volume' side and a 'Dark Lacquer' side. The wands are very different, with the volumizing one being very thick and made of rubber while the lacquer one is more meant to separate and darken the lashes, hence it is more of a traditional bristle wand.

 

Pigmentation is quite strong and with just one coat, the lashes already look darker and more volumized thanks to the specially designed wands. I like to apply two coats from the Extreme Volume side first to top lashes only, then follow with another two coats of the Dark Lacquer on the top lashes and a coat on the bottom lashes for a dramatic look as in the picture below:

I do recommend this mascara to anyone who's into dramatic lashes and doesn't mind splashing out a little - retail price is €15.90. I like the dual-ended concept and I would really love to see this mascara in a waterproof version.

For more information, kindly check out the Max Factor Malta Facebook page :)

PR Sample

Review | E.L.F. Glitter Mascara in Gold & Silver

E.L.F. Cosmetics have recently introduced Glitter Mascara as part of their Essential line and I bought the Silver and Gold variations to use during the past holiday season to add a little bit of glitz to my makeup looks.

 

While I may be a bit late in posting this, read on to see what I think about these mascaras; and besides, who says glitter has to be left just for party season?!

 

 

The packaging didn't impress me much to be honest but I do like the transparent part and the innovative applicator.

 

 

The applicator grooves fit the lashes nicely and I found it very practical to apply the glitter mascara on top of a regular one with this kind of applicator. You do however, need multiple coats for the glitter to show up. That said, I like the fact that the glitter is evenly distributed and the intensity can be built up according to taste. Unfortunately I could not get the glitter mascara to show up on camera so I took hand swatches instead.

 

 

Both of these glitter mascaras lasted until I took them off and I didn't experience any irritation whatsoever near my eyes while using them. You best bet to remove the mascara effectively without having glitter all over your face is to use a cotton disc soaked in waterproof makeup remover and leave it on your eyes for a few seconds before gently swiping it away from your face.

 

E.L.F. Glitter Mascara retails for €3.04 from the E.L.F. Cosmetics website.

Review | Avon Mega Effects Mascara Blackest Black

Mascara is an indispensable makeup item and everyone should have at least two different formulations in their cosmetics bag. Sometimes, just a stroke of mascara makes you look wide awake and I for one, like to try out different formulations.

Avon have recently come out with a new mascara, aptly called, Mega Effects which comes in the most gadgety packaging ever, which ultimately is what lured me into buying this mascara. Here are my thoughts on it.

 

So, like I have just said, Mega Effects comes in a gadgety yet compact plastic packaging. You pull the pink cap off to reveal the actual applicator which you have to pull out of the black base and you will meet the innovative and extraordinary spoolie with a moving, ergonomic handle. It can be tricky to adapt your hands to the handle at first, especially if you have large hands but I promise, the results are well worth!

 

 



I find it is easier for me to move the handle to a 90 degree position and have the mascara applied right from the very base of the lashes to really make them pop. This mascara lives up to its name as you will get big, separated and well defined lashes right from the very first application and results last until you take the mascara off. I find that the mascara doesn't clump on me and I am really fond of the fanned out effect on my lashes.

 

 

 

Although it is not a waterproof formula, I always remove mascara with a waterproof eye makeup remover to ensure I take off all traces and my lashes are well cared for. I haven't experienced any irritations whatsoever when using this mascara and I will repurchase once I run out.

 

So if you're after a mascara that will actually make your lashes stand out (or you simply love unusual packaging), Avon Mega Effects is a good one to start with!

 

Have you tried Avon Mega Effects yet?

Best Of 2012: Eyes

In this last post, as the title suggest, I will show you my favourite eye products of 2012. Eye products are firm favourites of mine and are usually the first section I look at in a make-up stand. Here goes!

Mascara is a must for me and my favourites have been Catrice Glamour Doll* and Catrice Mini Max*. Although they both provide great length and volume, a little help is never a bad idea. Enter RevitaLash Volumizing Primer* which primes lashes to perfection and adds an extra volume boost. Pupa Vamp! Mascara in 300 Deep Night* has also been a firm favourite and the navy blue colour is a fun step away from the usual black.

With regards eye liners and eye pencils my favourites were the following...Essence Gel Eyeliner in 02 London Baby, E.L.F. Studio Cream Eyeliner in Black, Catrice Eyeliner Pen in Carbon Black*, Catrice Kajal Designer in 150 Up&Brown&Up&Brown...*, and for added sparkle, Pupa Milano Deco Collection Diamond Eyeliner 03 in Copper Glitter Deco*.

As for eyeshadows, my favourite shades were mostly neutral but there are also some coloured ones too. Here goes! Catrice Absolute Eye Colour in 540 Rose Marie's Baby*, 560 I Like To Mauve It*, 580 Carrots Of The Carribbean*, Catrice Intensif'eye Wet & Dry Shadow in 010 Black or White Swan?!, Essence Eyeshadow in 02 Dance All Night, Essence Marble Mania Trend Edition Eyeshadow in 01 Seriously Mixed Up*, 03 Swirl It Baby!*, Pupa Milano Deco Collection Diamond Eyeshadow in 04 Emerald Glitter Deco* and lastly Wet 'n' Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow in Brulee.

And that concludes my favourite products for 2012! I hope you enjoyed these posts, stay tuned for a revamped blog layout and more posts coming your way!

Part 1: Nails

Part 2: Skin Care

Part 3: Lips

Part 4: Face

Products marked with * were either gifted to me or else sent by the respective companies' PR for review purposes.

Review: RevitaLash Volumizing Primer in Navy

Last month I finally got my Meg's Make-up points package and among all the amazing stuff that was in there, there was this tube of RevitaLash Volumizing Primer.  I was quite excited about this product as I know that RevitaLash products are of optimal quality but they can be quite expensive.  Here is what I have to say about this product.

Starting with packaging, the primer is supplied in a blue carton box on which there are listed the ingredients, company address, and as you would expect, product name and volume. On the box it also says that the primer is Dermatologist and Opthalmologist reviewed, it is clinically tested, hypoallergenic and non-irritating. The company also states that it is part of Eco-Coalition and that a portion of all proceeds go towards breast cancer research initiatives.  The company also states that the finished product has not been tested on animals. The primer itself is presented as a navy blue mascara with a standard wand and carries a 6 month expiry period.

Now, a lash primer is not something I would have bought myself primarily because my lashes are quite long and mascara holds nicely on them but seeing the RevitaLash one provides lashes with volume (something I always look for in a mascara) and it claims to strengthen the lashes, I thought of giving it a go just the same.

Right from the very first application, Ii noticed that my lashes appeared more volumized but using the product didn't make a difference as to the length of stay of the mascara.  However, after a few uses, I did notice that I wasn't losing any eyelashes while removing my eye make-up so I guess the strengthening properties of the primer must have kicked in. I have never experienced any irritation in my eyes while using this product even when wearing contact lenses.

RevitaLash applied to the upper lashes of the right eye. Left eye bears nothing

Mascara only on the left upper eyelashes, mascara over RevitaLash primer on the right upper eyelashes

I like that the primer is blue in colour as I think it is easier to coat with mascara and it also doubles up as a blue mascara if you wanted to! Also, I didn't have any issues with removal.

Overall, I really like this primer and I would totally recommend it to anyone with sparse eyelashes as well as anyone seeking more volume to their lashes. The only thing that's making me hesitate to buy the product myself is the price as I don't think spending $24 on a product that you have to throw away after a short time is sensible.

RevitaLash Volumizing Primer retails for $24 for 7.39ml (0.25 Fl. Oz.).

Product was sent to me by megsmakeup.com along with other products after submission of 250 make-up points and payment of $15 international postage fee.

Review: Essence Multi Action Blackest Black Mascara & Waterproof Mascara

Today I will be reviewing the latest addition to Essence Cosmetics' Multi Action Mascaras range, namely Blackest Black and the Waterproof versions.

The packaging is identical for both mascaras except for the outside colours.  The brushes, however, are different from each other and I don't really get why because both mascaras are designed to give extra volume, length and curl. If I had to pick my favourite, I'd go for the  Blackest Black's wand because it is more dense. Both mascaras are intensely black and the waterproof one is really waterproof and thus they hold true to their respective names.  The only thing here is that they only come in black; I think if Essence included more colours such as brown and blue, that would be fun too!

I cannot really choose one over the other because they both give a volumised, fanned out look to the lashes and I am also a big fan of the intensity and long lastingess of these mascaras.  Both mascaras are guaranteed not to clump lashes.

Multi Action Waterproof (left) & Multi Action Blackest Black (right)

I recommend these mascaras to budget queens and splurgers alike just because they are a very good alternative to the more expensive mascaras out there.

Retail price is €2 - €3 each for 9ml (as opposed to the 8.5ml of the older versions).  Essence Cosmetics is available in pharmacies and beauty shops all around Malta and Gozo.

PR Samples

Review: Catrice Mini Max Precision Volume Mascara vs Catrice Glamour Doll Volume Mascara

Today I will be comparing two of Catrice Cosmetics' newest mascaras which as you can tell by title are both volumising mascaras. 

I have fairly long lashes so I always tend to prefer volumising mascara formulas over lengthening ones and I'm so glad I got both of these mascaras! 

As always, let's start with the packaging. Both tubes are black but I prefer the look of the Glamour Doll one more because of it's curvier packaging and more ergonomic handle. I do however like both wands. I much prefer rubber wands to bristle wands because they tend to give a much better result in terms of lash separation.

Glamour Doll mascara wand (top)
Mini Max mascara wand (bottom)

What amazed me the most was the little wand of the Mini Max Mascara. At first I thought the 'mini' part was because of the small tube but in fact it refers to the mini brush which is there to give a more precise definition of the lashes.  The longer wand of the Glamour Doll mascara also accounts for better lash separation and definition but as far as corner lashes are concerned, I like the Mini Max mascara better.On the other hand, as the name implies, the Glamour Doll mascara is perfect for creating the doll eyes look.

Glamour Doll (left) & Mini Max (right)

The Mini Max, although it has a smaller tube, holds 12ml of product while the Glamour Doll holds 10ml. Both volumes are very good for a mascara since you have to replace your mascara every 3 to 4 months due to possible bacterial contamination.  However, since you are paying round about the same price (€4 - €5) for both of them, I guess everyone agrees that the amount of product should be the same.

None of these mascaras are waterproof but I have never experienced mascara melt-down when wearing any of these mascaras and they last until I take them off with regular make-up remover or wipes or cleanser.  My lashes do not get clumped with these mascaras so that is definitely a plus!

The only con I can think of is that they are only available in black and they do not come in waterproof versions.

I like both of these mascaras and I really cannot choose which one I like best so I will probably end up re-purchasing them both!

PR Samples

Review: Essence Marble Mania Trend Edition (March - April 2012)

Last March/April, Essence released the Marble Mania Trend Edition (limited edition) and I really wanted the blush but the collection sold out in a matter of a few hours and I couldn't find the blush anywhere so you can imagine how my face lit up at the Essence and Catrice bloggers' event held by Pharma MT (importers of the products in Malta) as soon as I saw the whole collection there! Even better, we were allowed to take anything we liked for free! Needless to say, I went up to the display and got hold of the blush faster than you could say Essence! I also got some more products from the Marble Mania collection which I will be reviewing in this post, starting of course with the blush itself! The packaging is pretty standard but I do like the clear compacts and tubes as the marbling effect shows nicely through them.

Blush in 01 Swirlpool

I cannot stop looking at this blush! I was always intrigued by the look of marbled make-up products and this blush has a nice mix of a dark-ish pink, an old rose shade, a mauve-lilac shade and a light peach shade all of which impart a nice, healthy glow to the cheeks when mixed together. The blush has a subtle shimmer to it  which is not that obvious on the cheeks and it smells of roses. For me, this blush has the right pigmentation and I have been using it almost everyday. I want to save it though because it is so beautiful! I just wish Essence release it as part of their permanent collection! On me, it lasts all day until I take it off. You get 7g of product and I think this retailed for like €3 or something.

Blush in 01 Swirlpool, Eyeshadows in 03 Swirl It Baby! & 01 Seriously Mixed Up

Eyeshadows in 01 Seriously Mixed Up & 03 Swirl It Baby!

While I was there, I managed to get two out of the three shades of eyeshadows available in the collection. I didn't get the second shade as I thought it looked similar to the first one when swatched.  01 Seriously Mixed Up is a nice brown swirled with a peachy-pink and some gold accents with a slight silver shimmer while 03 Swirl It Baby! is a mixture of baby pink, old rose, black and silver linings.  The colour payoff of these eyeshadows is amazing and they can be used both wet or dry.  You get 1.5g of product but I don't know the price for them (maybe around €2).

Lipgloss in 02 Peach and Mix

The collection also consisted of two lipglosses but I only managed to get my hands on one.  However, these lipglosses have been re-introduced in the permanent line and will be available in a total of 5 marbled colours which I will surely buy! As the name implies, Peach and Mix is a peachy lipgloss (a mix of coral, creamy peach and orange) with silver shimmer and a sweet vanilla scent.  It gives a super glossy look to the lips and lasts an average of 3 hours.  The shimmer is only slightly noticeable but it still gives the appearance of fuller lips.  The lipgloss comes with a standard doe-foot applicator and does not feel sticky at all. Comes in an 8ml tube.

      

Mascara in 01 Michael's Black or Silver

This is the last product I got from the Marble Mania collection. It intrigued me because I have never seen a marbled mascara before and I wanted to see if there is anything different to it.  Basically, the pearly white parts are silver shimmer particles while the actual mascara is a volumizing one. I find it gives my lashes a nice volumized look and thanks to the shimmer particles, my lashes appear glossier and my eyes wide awake.

So that's my take on the products I have from the Essence Marble Mania Trend Edition.  The other products  in the collection included 4 mini nail polishes and a nail art kit (sponges, a mini striper brush and wooden cuticle pushers).

Did you get any of the products from this collection? What are your thoughts on them?

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