[UPDATE] I found the mascara thinner on ebay for $1.99! Go HERE to purchase.
I have a love/hate relationship with my eyelashes. Like hair, some days I have good eyelash days and bad eyelash days. I would LOVE to wear falsies everyday but, really, it's a miracle when I remember to swipe some color on my lips. In other words, despite my lengthy make-up routine (it's actually really quick and simple once you get the routine down pat), I don't have the patience nor the skills.
Which is why I am very particular when it comes to mascaras. I don't like drugstore brands because their formulas tend to be too drying causing my lashes to break (and I've tried them all). I've tested basically all the major dept. store brands as well as brands in Sephora. My absolute favorite is Fresh's Supernova. It's non-drying, very black, lengthens, separates, volumizes, and doesn't leave you with racoon eyes.
My major gripe with mascara is that the first 2 weeks is the honeymoon stage - it performs the way you want it to, the formula is still fresh, and it still has a nice consistency that doesn't leave clumps. After the honeymoon stage, it immediately goes down hill. Now, if I was a woman of considerable means and indulged in frivolity minus the guilt, I would replace my $25 tubes every 2 weeks. But, I'm not, so I'm stuck w/the tube for at least an entire month. Which blows...until now.
I recently threw this item into my cart the last time I placed an order w/EveCare.com (I order my face cleanser and eyebrow razors from here). It intrigued me and at $2 I wouldn't regret it if it turned out to be a mean tease.
I'm happy to report that this thing is a God send. I add a couple of drops into my mascara, replace the top, and place it in a cup w/warm water for a few minutes (careful to keep the water level below cap level so it doesn't seep in). Then I open the cap, move the brush around inside to mix things up, and voila! It's brand new again. It also lengthens the life of the tube by another week or 2 which is an added bonus.
Unfortunately, it' sold out on the site (SUCKS) but hopefully they'll get more in soon. Or if anyone knows of a similar product and where we can find it, that would be great.
Btw, please share some of your favorite make-up products. I'm itching to try some new products and I would love to hear your recommendations. I also need a good bronzer for summer. Can't wait to hear what your faves are!
(P.S. I'm sorry I've been really absent lately...I'm still working on my store, believe it or not. I'm soooo close to being done - I'm in the final stretch here. I'm writing up the product descriptions now and then I'll have to do some tests to try and catch any kinks before the site goes live. Thanks so much for not giving up on me just yet. xx Nina)
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27 comments:
Huh, talk to me about this eyebrow shaver. I'm intrigued!
It's really hard to find, but Bonne Belle gel bronzer is crazy amazing. It looks like chocolate milk but goes on incredibly sheer. Also, Chanel's creme bronzer is lovely, although it has a faint shimmer, which some may not like.
Nina darling,
How I wish I had suggestions! Alas, I am a girl who is thinks a swipe of gloss is enough makeup ;]. And mascara - a frenemy, or so I've called it. For the same reasons as yours. I do love Estee Lauder's, though!
Bisous,
La C.
really? wow that's a great share of beauty info! i don't wear make up but i have lots of mascaras, usually from my mom. But i feel bad every time i have to throw them out, almost never used. But that one gave me an idea really! thanks nina!
question? is it really okay to store make up on the fridge when not using them to give them long life? am sorry am so dull to things like these...
that is good to know. we miss you.
wow, who'd thought, thinner for mascaras!
Can't wait for your store opening...
I found your blog about a month ago and I spent a lazy weekend reading all your posts-you're fabulous! Thanks for this mascara tip, I''ll be sure to try it because I too am sad after the honeymoon period ends. I don't really use makeup on a daily basis, but when I want to add some fun I use MAC's Sumptuous Olive eye shadow and apply it eye-liner style on my upper lid and on the corners of the bottom lids. The green color compliments brown eyes nicely. Have a lovely night. Can't wait to see your store!
-Vee
najeema: i totally forgot about bonne bell! i used to wear the powder bronzer...i think i might pick one up again. thx for the reminder!
La Couturier: i wish i could get away w/a swipe of lip gloss. sounds divine to be minimal like that. :)
Denise: i have no idea if the fridge preserves makeup...you've peeked my curiosity so now i'm gonna research it! haha
Savvy Mode SG: i miss you guys, too! can't wait to get back on a normal blogging schedule again.
Karafina: i know! i didn't think anything like it existed. so of curse i had to try it out.
Vee: hi vee! thanks for stopping by and leaving me such a wonderful comment. :)
This is so funny...I just saw this somewhere else and thought to myself, "what IS this product anyway?"
And now I know!
That sounds really useful. I love "drag queen lashes" I spend ages reapplying in the morning so I run out faster than it clumps! xoxo
very cool! who knew such a thing existed? thanks for the tip.
This set is my favorite faux tanning kit of all time and the bronzer included is the best, I have never been able to get a "natural" tan look from makeup before I got this. The body lotion is fantastic as well.
http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx?view=2&app=detail¶ms=item^A79157,RecTypeInd^EPIPHANY,navlist^A79157*A17648*A89663*,cp^detail,tmp^related,cpprod^A56099,cm_scid^dtlr&walk=&cmtags=
Hmmm my fav products...I am currently over the moon of the Say Yes to Carrots shampoo & conditioner, it makes my hair light and soft and I am a loyal fan of the Shiseido Advanced Volume mascara (GOD GIFT to my straight brown !!! invisible Korean eyelashes). Oh yes and the ArtDeco eyeshadows are really good....and Dior makes nice too, those sets with 5 of them are great :)
Ooooh, my make-up favs???
Definately Shiseido Advanced Volume mascara (a HEAVEN for my straight, brown, invisible Korean eyelashes that CAN'T be curled), ArtDeco eyeshadows...and!! Bourjois liquid eyeliners are GREAT! :)
I adore benefit "talk to the tan" I've tried so many bronzer but this one is the best, I actually love all benefit cosmetics, the "lemon aid" it's in my purse everyday and I really can't live without the Posietint!
that's awesome!!! I so need to try it. I'm using tarte right now, but my fav is bad gal lash by benefit. I am thinking about trying eyelash extensions...I'll let you know how it turns out. I suck at putting on false eyelashes. cargo makes a good bronzer and I like benefit's dallas too for my skin tone. I'm kind of a benefit whore....I use a lot of their products.
and hurry up and open up your shop already!!
I never knew a product like this even existed, but I'll definitely have to pick some up at some point. I'd love to try it. Also-- eyebrow shaver? I've never heard about THESE either, or at least I have no clue how you're supposed to use it (I'm sure I imagine it as more complex than it is). Details, please :)
This sounds like a cool product, and as you say, for $2 you can't go too far wrong!
I actually have the opposite relationship with mascara that you have. The first couple of weeks I find that it's too wet and goopy and it clumps like crazy. After it dries out a bit it's the perfect consistency for me. I like Cover Girl Lash Blast at the moment for the plastic bristle brush and clump-free application.
Oh wow! That is amazing! You are soooo right about the honeymoon period with mascara! Use Lancome Definicils but I'm sick of it, so I'm going to try the Fresh and keep trying to get the thinner...YAY!
My fav makeup products right now-Nars Orgasm blush, I know that's not very original...I also love the mac liquid liner pen-I worked for them for years and had a heart attack when they finally came out with it. But you're so up to date I am prob not helping you at all :)
I'm saving my pennies for your store! XOXO
Brilliant idea! I definitely need that. I love how thickening Dior show mascara is but it dries out rather quickly. I always forget to buy mascara though because the cost really adds up.
heyyy nina! i tagged you as well as gave you an award. lol. and i'm waiting for your store!! =)
my eyelashes are so short i can't do anything with them. my bf's lashes are longer than mine!
i'm holding a contest on my blog!
http://sparkledustfantasy.blogspot.com/2009/06/contest-time.html
Ohh. That's such a smart idea. I will have to try it out, cos i know how it is to have gluggy mascara! merci for the tip!
i would love to wear fake lashes everyday as well! i never even heard of a mascara thinner- they come up with everything nowadays!
Okay, why didn't I think of that? Mascara thinner is a fantastic way to justify buying a $32 tube of mascara (darn you, DiorShow Blackout!)--if I can make it stretch longer, I'm all for it!
My current favorite bronzer is Laura Mercier--it contains 2 shades that I like to mix and minimal shimmer. I also really like Bobbi Brown as it looks very natural and "beachy" on.
Can't wait to see the store! Let me know if you need help with anything...
i always like your make up!
you have beautiful face!
Girl- I love Fresh Mascara too, but turned off by the dryness after a week or two. I am totally dying to check out this product. Thanks :D
That's a brilliant product, I had no idea they even existed! I actually don't like brand new mascara, I find I need a tiny bit of drying out for it to thicken enough to do its job. But when it gets too dry it gives you short, fat sticks for eyelashes! Enter mascara thinner.
My favourite beauty product is Clarins Beauty Flash balm. It actually does give radiance to the skin without fake looking shimmer or sparkle, you can't overdo it. It's a godsend for days when you don't get enough sleep!
P.S. I love Eve Lom, too! I'll never switch my cleanser.
Denise
Kevin Aucoin Brow Pencil- ultimate brow pencil
Kevin Aucoin Skin Enhancer- best concealer
Mascaras: Blinc for daily, subtle lash enhancement and Fiberwig for more volume- Supernova gives me raccoon eyes.
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I love reading your thoughts and comments...Thank you for stopping by and for all the support you have shown me and this site. xx Nina
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