Revlon Bold Laquer Mascara Review

I've been a fan of the Revlon Lash Potion mascara for a long time, so when I saw this new formula being advertised I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. I finally did and I've been using it for a week or so. Spoiler alert: I really like it. 

This is definitely a dry formula mascara, which I'm partial to. I find wet formulas just too much to deal with. The wand in this mascara is pretty standard. Soft, full bristles and not too big. It gives your lashes fullness and length, while still looking natural. I was a competitive dancer growing up so anything other than natural looking lashes tends to give me nightmares. Rhinestoned false eyelashes are not as fun as they sound, people. 

The thing that impressed me most about this mascara was the staying power. The first two times I wore this was to a dance rehearsal and a baseball game in the middle of August. Sweat city. And let me tell you, this product did not budge. I'm going to say that again because I don't think you heard me...This mascara lasted through oily skin AND a late summer baseball game. Nothing short of a miracle, I think. 

In short: If you're looking for something that's going to give you bold lashes for a night out, this product isn't it. However, if you need a sturdy mascara that will get the job done for everyday, I highly recommend this one. I'll be repurchasing. 

Any other products you would like me to check out? Comment down below! 

xoxo, 

Caitlin 

How To: Not be Afraid of Colorful Eyeliner

Once upon a time, I used to be terrified of colorful eyeliner. I had nightmares about looking like something out of an 80's workout tape. However, through the years I've developed a formula of sorts for wearing colorful liner. (Not without some mistakes along the way, of course. But that's me. Always giving.) And today I'm sharing this formula with you. 

I absolutely love colorful liner for the summer, because it's such a fun way to change things up while not doing anything too drastic. And the best part about this formula is that it can be replicated with any color your little heart desires. 

(I'm wearing Essie Watermelon on my nails, in case you were wondering.) 

Here's How: 

I feel like every look I do starts with a shimmery champagne shadow...whoops. Anyways, I sweep a champagne shadow all over the lid, blending it out with a clean crease brush. Step two is a colored pencil liner of your choice to line the upper lash line. Next I take an eyeshadow in a similar color to the liner and apply that over the line you just created. This gives the color a little more pigmentation and shimmer. 

I've found the secret to pulling off colorful liner is to tight line under your top lashes with a black kohl liner. This gives definition without taking away from the color. Side note: I finally can tight line without my eyes watering. It can be done, people! 

Finish the look off with some black mascara and a neutral lip. 

The Cast: 

Urban Decay primer potion

Urban Decay eyeshadows in Sin (lid) and Shattered (liner) 

Covergirl perfect blend liner pencil in cobalt blue

Rimmel ScandalEyes liner in black 

Almay intense i-color mascara for brown eyes

Revlon colorburst lipgloss in peony 

So there it is guys. We only have a few weeks left of summer, be bold! 

xoxo, 

Caitlin 

Glam Glow Vs. The World

I recently acquired a travel size of the infamous Glam Glow mask. I've had some time to try it out, but instead of the traditional review, I thought I would compare the Glam Glow to two other similar masks: The Mint Julep Mask and the Lush Mask of Magnaminty. 

Because that's what I'm here for, spending the money so you don't have to. 

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque: I'm tempted to call this one my favorite just because it's so cheap and easy to get a hold of. I found mine for $4 at Walgreens. This mask is pretty standard; green, tingly, and super clarifying. You know, the stuff that sleepovers are made of. It's not the most amazing mask in the world, but it's really effective for the price. 

Lush Mask of Magnaminty: I already have a full review of this product that you can check out here. But I'll recap. I love this mask. Like, I really love it. It tackles my oily skin and blemishes without over drying. It also does a great job tightening my pores and helps with blackheads. You can find it in stores or online for $12.95. Not a terrible price, but not inexpensive either considering you only get 4.4 ounces. 

Glam Glow Mask: I've only had this product for about a week and a half, but I'm really liking it so far. I'm just using it on my nose and chin since those are my problem areas right now, and I can already tell a difference. My pores are smaller and I have significantly less blackheads. However, it stings...a lot. It doesn't last very long, but it sure is uncomfortable to wait for this baby to dry. It's also expensive, $20 for half an ounce. Yes, you heard me right. Is it a great mask? Yes. Is it worth the price? Probably not. 

If I had to pick just one of these masks, it would probably be Lush. Not too expensive, and very very effective. 

So there you have it, y'all! What are some other masks I have to try? 

xoxo, 

Caitlin 

Simple, Polished Back to School Makeup

It's about that time again.

Back to school.

Sigh.

To help you feel a little better about things, I've brought you a back to school makeup look! Hooray!

...you're right, that doesn't really make things any better.

Let's be honest. When it comes to school, makeup needs to be quick and easy, because I am not about getting up early just to do fancy makeup for school. This look totally fits the bill. With a little practice, it can be done in 5 minutes, leaving ample time for the snooze button. 

I used Revlon Photoready BB Cream in light/medium because it's easy to apply and gives a decent amount of coverage for a BB cream. It also gives a sort of luminous finish, but isn't too much for my oily skin. 

I kept the eyes pretty simple, with a shimmery nude shade on the lid and a matte brown in the crease. I used a matte dark brown shadow for a liner, smudged as close to the upper lash line as I could possibly manage. I finished the look off with a light pink blush and a nude/pink lip balm with a hint of shimmer. 

The Cast: 

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder 

Revlon Photoready BB Cream in light/medium

Mac Studio Finish concealer in NC20

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circles concealer in fair

Revlon Colorstay Pressed Powder in light/fair

ELF Blush in tickled pink 

Maybelline Great Lash clear mascara (for brows) 

Mac eyeshadows: Naked Lunch (lid), and Soft Brown (crease) 

Studio Gear eyeshadow in dark chocolate 

Revlon Lash Potion mascara

NYC Appleicious Glossy Lip Balm in Apple Blossom 

What are your favorite products for back to school? 

xoxo, 

Caitlin 

P.S. Everyone say thanks to my friend Paris for taking these fun pictures! 

The Brush Discussion

 (How cute is my brush holder? It was handmade by my dear friend Paris, find her at Postcardsbyparis.blogspot.com)

When I first started getting into makeup, brushes were one of the most intimidating parts about it. All the different brands, sizes, and shapes could make anybody's head spin! You can also spend a ridiculous amount of money on any given brush. But, as with most things in my makeup collection, I'm a fan of the mid-priced, quality model. I have many a Sigma brush because I got a set for my birthday a couple years ago, not because I'm sponsored. Swear. 

I'm going to give you a run-down of my essentials. All of which make up a "starter set" of sorts. 

Foundation Brush: I'm a fan of a more fluffy, round foundation brush. I love the natural finish they give to the makeup when blended into the skin. I have two favorites in this category: The Sephora #56 brush, and the Real Techniques expert face brush. 

Powder Brush: A big, fluffy powder brush is an essential for everyone. This one is the Sigma F30 Large Powder Brush

Blush Brush: I'm not the biggest fan of this brush since it tends to shed, but it's the only one I have so I use it anyway. Sonia Kashuk Blush Brush

Eye Brushes: These three are my staples and can be used to create almost any eye look. I recommend a flat shader brush, a fluffy crease brush, and an angled liner brush. From left to right: Sigma E55, E40, E65. 

So there you go! What are your favorite makeup brushes? 

xoxo, 

Caitlin