My Top Mascara Picks: Dior, L'Oreal, CoverGirl and Make Up For Ever

I've been on a roll lately with my product reviews so I thought I would continue my review-a-thon with a post about my favorite mascaras.  Plural, because, uh, I love too many of them to choose just one.

From L-R
(please note that I only use waterproof mascaras. I don't like any formulas that aren't waterproof)

Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara, Waterproof, Very Black
The CG Lash Blast is a great mascara overall. I wouldn't say it's my favorite of all of the ones I own, but I love it. It goes on nicely, doesn't clump and defines, thickens and lengthens lashes. It's a great bet if you're trying to find a great drugstore mascara. I tend to like a dry formula and this is dry, but not as dry as some of the other mascaras I love.

DiorShow Iconic Mascara, Waterproof, Black
This mascara, in my opinion works best on the lower lashes.  I actually only use it for that. There's something about the way the brush is shaped and the formula that is just an excellent fit for defining those lower lashes. it stays on all day, doesn't budge and creates separated, pretty lower lashes without clumps.  Like I mentioned, I don't use this on my upper lashes, because I find other formulas work better for that.  The brush is similar to the lash blast in that it's that rubbery plastic material with those stubby-like bristles.

DiorShow Mascara, Waterproof, Black
DiorShow was the first luxury mascara I ever bought.  I think the massive brush is what makes this a standout product (it also has a rose water smell but after awhile you don't notice it at all.)  I think this mascara has everything you'd want in a mascara- length, staying power, thickness.  It really creates those long, lush lashes we all hope for.  It takes some getting used to at first because the brush is so big, but it's worth it!

L'Oreal Volume Collagen Mascara, Waterproof, Blackest Black
This mascara is definitely a Holy Grail one for me.  It really creates very full, thick, lovely lashes.  The brush is different---the bristles are kind of all over the place going in different directions which I think it why this mascara really gives a gorgeous look to the lashes.  I can achieve thickness with this mascara in just one coat.  I like big hair, and I like big lashes---and this delivers---volume, thickness and overall just perfect lashes. This is a must-try, IMO.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash, Waterproof, Black

My newest addition, this mascara surprised me (pleasantly.)  I was a little skeptical but after reading all of the rave reviews I just had to try it during Sephora's F&F 20% off sale.  I'm so glad I did.  Out of all of my mascaras, this one definitely gives the most "feathery" lash look. I also notice that it seems to hold curl in my lashes really well.  It doesn't give quite the thickness of some other formulas I use...but it more than makes up for it because of the unique, soft, feathered appearance it gives to lashes. I'm not really sure how this formula creates that look---maybe the brush or the mascara itself, but I really do enjoy it and am glad I purchased it.

I hope this entry was helpful to anyone looking for a new mascara, or on the fence about trying a new product. What are YOUR favorite mascaras?  Share them in the comments below :)

xoxo,

Veronika.

Requested: Lash Routine & OOTD: Black, White & Gold. Plus: I Quit the Gym

I've been getting a lot of requests to post about my lash routine so I am going to do it in this post! Thank-you to everyone who requested this post.

Here are a few images of my finished lash look:

I like really thick, soft, feathery looking lashes.  I notice a lot of women have sort of a clumped-together look and I'm not sure if it depends on technique or how your lashes are naturally, but this is never a good look:

OK, so maybe that picture is a bit dramatic, but you know what I mean! To achieve full and long lashes without the spidery look, here's what I do:

1.  Make sure your lashes are completely dry before you apply any eye makeup

2.  I apply my MAC studio fix powder over my eyelids before putting any eye makeup on. I am not sure if that makes a difference or not with my lashes, but I wanted to add that step in because I just swipe a tiny bit of powder over my lids along with the rest of my face so it's all even.

3.  Buy a Shu Uemura eyelash curler- it's the best I've used.  You want to heat your eyelash curler for a few seconds with a hairdryer. I always wrap my hand around it after I blast it with hot air to make sure it's not too hot to apply to the delicate eye skin. You want it hot enough to make the lashes hold curl but no so hot that it burns your skin (obviously). I can usually tell that it's the right temperature when it feels really warm in my hand (not hot).  TIP: if you do heat it and it's too hot, keep your hand around it for a few extra seconds to transfer some of the heat.
 
4.  Curl lashes from the base using the lash curler. Go over the lashes again (but be gentle) if they aren't curled enough. I truly believe the curl is the key to achieving pretty lashes.  You can press firmly with the lash curler- just make sure you don't pinch the skin around your eye.  Be careful! Practice makes perfect.

5.  Apply your eyeliner and/or eyeshadow if applicable.

6.  Apply mascara to top and bottom lashes. I like to start with my top lashes and use the mascara brush from the base of the lashes working upwards. I typically just do one swipe, sometimes two. I don't re-dip it for the second coat though, I just use whatever is already on the brush.

7.  I ONLY use waterproof mascara for many reasons:  it stays put in the Texas heat, I like the way the formula feels better and it dries faster.  I use eye makeup remover (the Up& Up) brand from Target to remove my eye makeup and it works perfectly.  I refuse to use regular mascara. Many non-waterproof formulas are too "wet" and ruin the curl in your lashes. They also rub off and don't last as long, I just really don't see the point of using them if you need your makeup to last all day.

My favorite mascaras are (in no particular order):

1.  DiorShow
2. L'Oreal Volume Collagen
3. CoverGirl Lash Blast

These formulas have never let me down. I also like to use DiorShow Iconic on my lower lashes only. L'Oreal Voluminous deserves honorable mention too, but ever since the Volume Collage came out, I reach for that way more.

I hope this helps!  Like I said, everyone's lashes are different, but this is what works for me.

Here's what I wore today (sorry if I look tired, these were taken after work!)

Top- Target
Skirt- Target
Belt- J. Crew
Shoes- Michael Kors
Cardigan- White House, Black Market

Speaking of my MK heels- they died on me today. The zipper thing ripped off from the side and now I can't wear them. I have to take them to the shoe doctor. I always wore these heels to events where I had to stand a lot because they are so comfortable, so I know I got great use out of them.

*sadface*

Have you ever had to have shoes repaired? I wonder how much it costs?

xoxo,

Veronika.

PS- I am off to Pilates again tonight!  Oh and I quit the gym today!  I finally decided to officially end my membership after having it on freeze for the past 6 months. I much prefer taking classes and working with a trainer. That's just what works for me.

My experience reminded me of when Chandler and Ross tried to quit the gym on "Friends."  The lady kept trying to give me free personal training sessions if I kept my membership.  I told her I knew she "had to do this as part of her job" and I was very nice about it of course, but I made it pretty clear I wasn't going to be convinced and my mind was made up!  She just kept going on and on about personal training and I told her I had a trainer at another gym (which is true).  I think she gave up after that. 

I always try to be overly nice when I'm on the phone with customer service because I know it's not their fault I'm not satisfied with the product or experience.  Plus, they've probably talked to a few angry people that day already and I don't want to be one of the ones that they tell their husband or wife about when they get home from work. 

Just thought I'd share this little tidbit- BE STRONG if you want to quit the gym! Quitting doesn't mean giving up on your fitness, it means getting fit in a way that works for you- and for some people, that isn't the gym.

A DiorShow Alternative?

I can't believe I'm even typing the words I'm about to type, but I think I have found a mascara that I am happy enough with to actually compare to my beloved DiorShow.

It's L'Oreal's New Extra Volume Collagen Waterproof Mascara in "Blackest Black." I don't know if it's the formula or the brush or a combo of the two...but this mascara is incredible. It gives me thick, feathery awesome lashes with tons of length and volume. It doesn't smudge or look cakey or flakey. It is lash perfection in a tube.

So, if you've got $7.99 and haven't found a mascara you love yet (or are trying to find a cheaper one than your designer one) then I definitely recommend you hit Target, Walgreens, CVS or another cosmetics retailer and pick this one up. It's SO much better than L'Oreal Voluminous too, which I previously thought was amazing. No my friends, this one is better.

I curl my lashes and apply one coat on each lash. By one coat, I mean I take what's on the brush on the first swipe out of the tube and apply it to my lashes using a "swipe up" motion from roots to tips, several times. I don't need more than one coat to make my lashes look full and lush. I don't like to use too many coats because I find if you put the first coat on and then re-dip and apply another (and another) it just starts to cake and flake (not this formula, all formulas in general.)

I hope this mascara soon finds a home in your collection- and if it does, let me know how you like it.

xoxo,

Veronika.

PS- THANK YOU to all of the incredible women who have been so amazingly supportive of me lately. I appreciate your thoughts, kind words and advice more than you know.