Younique 3D Fiber Lash Mascara Review

When I first received my Younique package I was instantly excited when I saw the fancy packaging. The chic black hard case is the perfect first impression for this game-changing mascara.

After just one application, I knew Younique was more than mascara. This was my chance to transform my lashes from dull to noticeable in the matter of minutes.

Using the transplanting gel for the first time was a similar experience to using my old designer mascara. I stopped using drug store mascara a few years ago, and have become accustomed to the volume that $40 mascara gives my lashes. I have to be honest, sometimes the money is worth it, and sometimes it is not. After using Younique one time, I knew that this product delivers significantly better results than my $40 mascara.

What is the difference? The proof is in the Natural Fibers.

I've tried some fiber mascara products in the past, but none hold a candle to Younique. I love that the fibers are 100% natural, and they are made from Green Tea. How cool right? Lashes get thirsty too ;)

Once I put the Natural Fibers on top of the Transplanting Gel, I noticed that several fibers were on my cheeks. This alarmed me a bit. I thought I was doing it wrong. After re- reading the instructions, I realized this was normal. I soldiered through and finished off the look with the transplanting gel for the second round, and was amazed with the amount of volume I saw. As for the fall out from the fibers, just use a clean powder brush and dust them off.

I will be the first to say, this product takes some getting used to, but if you use it for 1 week, and don't love it- I would be surprised. After six days I felt like a pro, and the best part- I don't have to compromise my water proof routine, and Younique will cost me less than my old designer mascara! Cha-ching!

To purchase Younique mascara, click here.

Written by: Molly Dodd

Photos and Styling by: Rebekah Miura

Makeup Steals: Smashbox Bestsellers Set

It's not a secret to my friends that I am a huge fan of Smashbox primers. I've tried numerous brands but, always end up coming back to this one. On a recent trip to Nordstrom Rack I was shocked when I saw the "bestsellers set" from Smashbox for a mere $19. This is a steal since it is currently retailing for $39 online. The set comes with a full size Photo Finish Foundation Primer, a sample size Photo Finish Lid Primer, a sample size Photo Op Eyeshadow Trio, a sample size Layer Lash Primer, and a sample size Full Exposure Mascara.  This is a great set because it allowed me to try four new products without having to spend a ton of cash. The Photo Finish Foundation Primer normally retails for $36 and it's well worth the price! It smooths and perfects the skin, fills in lines and creates the perfect canvas for your foundation.

The Photo Finish Lid Primer retails for $20. I was surprised at how much I liked it. It goes on smooth, doesn't crease, brightens the eye area, and causes eyeshadow to not only show up, but last longer. According to it's description on line, it can even be used under the eyes as a concealer.

The Photo Op Eyeshadow Trio is in "Multi-Flash" and it retails for $28. I love the colors for creating a natural eye. I've found myself reaching for this trio on a daily basis.

The Layer Lash Primer retailing for $19 is the perfect companion to the Full Exposure Mascara which retails for $20. The lash primer strengthens, thickens and protects your lashes. The mascara is paraben free and is reported to create a 104% increase in volume. It also boasts to be smudge proof, non-clumping, and non-flaking.

If you have a Nordstrom Rack in your area, check it out! There may be a few sets left. I have thoroughly enjoyed mine.

Comment below if you score one of these sets or have tried any of these products! We would love to hear from you.

Happy Styling,

Rebekah

{photos and styling: Rebekah Miura}

Editor's Pick: Budget Friendly Makeup Brushes

Sam and Nic Chapman from Pixi Woo, teamed up with Real Techniques to launch a makeup brush line made up of synthetic, cruelty-free brushes. Their mission is to provide quality brushes that are affordable and easy to use. After hearing so much buzz around these brushes, I had to try them out myself. I must say that for the price these are excellent brushes. Using my accumulated store points and this on-line coupon from Ulta, I purchased the Core Collection for around $13. Not a bad deal, considering that I received four brushes!

{brushes left to right: foundation, detailer, contour, buffing}

Included in this kit is a pointed foundation brush, detailer brush, contour brush, and buffing brush. The set also comes with a compact black case that is excellent for travel. Since these are synthetic brushes they can be used with liquids, creams, or powders.

The pointed foundation brush is a bit small for me. I have found that it works great as a concealer brush for under the eyes and covering up blemishes.

The detailer brush doesn't look like much, but it's the brush that I  have been reaching for every day! It does several jobs well. I love using it with my powder eyeshadows as well as my gel liner to line my eyes. It also is excellent used as a lip brush.

The contour brush is the perfect size for chiseling out your cheek bones. I use it for contouring with my cream foundations, as well as with my powder bronzers.

Last, but certainly not least is the buffing brush. This is my favorite brush from the collection. It applies liquid foundation like a dream. It also is great for buffing in mineral powders. I use it for both.

I love that each of these brushes are able to fulfill more than one role. It cuts down on the number of brushes that I have to carry with me when I travel. Overall, I am impressed with these brushes. If you are new to the makeup world this is a great starter set. Even if you own a ton of brushes already, these brushes are definitely worth trying.

What are your favorite brushes? We'd love to know! Let us know in the comments below.

Happy Styling,

Rebekah

{photos and styling by: Rebekah Miura}

Cargo Cosmetics: Get Your Glam On

Cargo Cosmetics sent us over their “Lets Meet In Paris” kit that had been in stores for the holidays. With many other products to test, I was not able to get this review up until now! But, as they say “good things come to those who wait.” If you are looking for the ultimate glam kit, look no further. These five products will have you red carpet ready in no time!

Let’s start with eyes shall we. I have to admit I am an eyeliner snob. My checklist for a quality eyeliner is:

“Does it have good color pay off?” “Does it have smooth application?” “Is it smudgeproof?” “Is it waterproof?” “Is it longwearing”

I am not easily impressed, however I was with Cargo’s Swimmables Eye Pencil in Black Sea. It met all of my criteria and exceeded my expectations with a stand out fourteen hour wear. This pencil reminds me of Urban Decay’s 24-7 Glide On Eye Pencil which is a staple in my makeup artist kit.

Pair this eyeliner with Cargo’s TexasLash Mascara and you have a match made in heaven! This mascara is all about volume, which is perfect for a glamorous evening out.

As for lips, Cargo’s got you covered in that arena as well. They have their Reverse Lip Liner to keep your lipstick from feathering. Apply this liner around the outside of your lips to clean up the lip line, add definition and lock the lipstick into place. Cargo’s HD  Picture Perfect Lip Primer goes hand in hand with the lip liner. It smoothes, defines and plumps as it extends the wear of lip color. After this is applied, Cargo’s Essential Lip Color in “Paris” is the perfect shade of red to finish your look. It is a highly pigmented color that hydrates and plumps the lip throughout its wear.

These products are perfect for an evening out, but can also be worn during the day. So what are you waiting for? Go get your glam 0n!

Happy Styling,

Rebekah

Flower Beauty Review: Part 2

Oh, the power of lipstick. It’s extraordinary how such a small item can seemingly transform not only a woman’s outward appearance, but also her attitude. Thanks again to Flower for sending us some fabulous product to sample. Last week we reviewed face products and today it's all about the lips.

Flower's Kiss Stick High Shine Lip Color in Berry Bloom is a beautiful shade of lipstick. The formula is rich and creamy, it glides on smooth, and has a ton of shine. The quality of this lipstick is impressive and so is the price. This formula is definitely a favorite in the Flower line.

Flower's Kiss Stick Velvet Lip Color in Desert Flower looks similar to Berry Bloom. The difference is that it's a bit lighter and it's matte. Matte formulas have a tendency to be drying so exfoliating the lips and priming them with lip balm is key.

Kiss Stick Velvet Lip Color in Rosey Garden is a bright, vivid pink. It has a fresh, modern feel about it. It's great for days when you want to add a little pop of color to your beauty regime.

The Flower High Shine On Lip Gloss Wand was voted MVP by Redbook in 2013. It's hard to find a quality lip gloss at drug store prices, so finding this product is a gold mine. The formula is rich, moisturizing and long lasting. This will be a definite re-purchase in the days ahead.

Kuddos to Flower for providing us with quality products that are affordable. Flower is sold exclusively at Walmart. To purchase the above products you can visit your local Walmart or go online to walmart.com. For more reviews on Flower  beauty products click here and here.

Happy Styling!

Rebekah

Flower Beauty Review: Part 1

Today we are talking about one of my favorite topics MAKEUP! After a recent post reviewing Drew Barrymore’s cosmetics line Flower, the company was kind enough to send me a few more products to sample. Thanks guys! So let’s get started shall we?!

Let's start with their  Zoom-In Ultimate Mascara. Whether you want volume, lengthening, thickening or ALL three, you can have it. This mascara has a unique brush that is customizable. I received the mascara in brown which works great on the days that I want a natural look.

Cream blushes have become a daily staple of mine. Flower's Win Some, Rouge Some Cream Blush in the color Primrose and Proper is the perfect peach/pink color. The product goes on smooth, has great color pay off, and lasts throughout the day. This is a definite re-purchase for me.

Finding a quality drugstore foundation can be a daunting task, but Flower just made it is easier. Flower's Skincognito is a full coverage stick foundation. It is has an ultra creamy feel and glides on smooth. Oh and did I mention it's paraben free! I found this foundation to have excellent staying power and great coverage. As with any foundation to ensure the best coverage and application, I would highly recommend exfoliating, moisturizing, and priming beforehand. This foundation has a tendency to highlight any dry patches on the skin. For the best wear, I preferred using a primer underneath the foundation and setting it with powder.

Flower is exclusively sold at Walmart. If you want to purchase any of the above products, you can visit your local store or go online to walmart.com. In next week's post I will be reviewing lip products from Flower so stay tuned.

See you next week!

Happy Styling,

Rebekah