Everything Old is New Again

In the new year I usually decide to revamp my makeup and skin care wardrobe, but I already have so many products that even for a beauty aficionado like myself, it's getting to just be too much. So I decided that instead of buying a slew of new items, I would scavenge my existing goods and rediscover old favorites. 

There's always those amazing staples that I adore, that one day I come across and am thinking why did I ever stop using this!? In no particular order, here are my old faithfuls:

Revlon 3D Extreme mascara is one of those mascaras I occasionally cheat on because I just can't help myself, and then I start using it again and vow to never use anything else. It creates amazing length, volume and curl and strangers (yes, really) always comment on how long and thick my lashes are and ask me if I'm wearing falsies. Major bonus: it's under $10.

NARS Orgasm blush is one of those cult products that everyone raves about, but unlike some others (I'm talking to you Maybelline Great Lash!) actually lives up to the hype. It's the perfect peachy pink with a subtle golden sheen that works on everyone regardless of skin tone. I like to mix up my blushes depending on season and my makeup looks, but if I could only choose one for the rest of my life, this would be it. 

It's really hard for me to commit to a skin care product because there's always something "new and revolutionary that will change your life" hitting the market. Kinerase C8 Peptide Intensive Treatment is something I always have close by because it smooths fines lines, brightens skin and protects with antioxidants. At $98 it is a little bit of an investment, but unless you're very dry, it can replace your daytime moisturizer.

What are your recent new discoveries from your existing stash?

Test Drive: Maybelline The Falsies Mascara

As soon as I started hearing about Maybelline The Falsies mascara I was intrigued. I'm a girl who loves lashes and whenever a new mascara comes out I have to try it. Especially when said mascara promises to mimic the look of false lashes, minus the painstakingly annoying application. 

The Experience:

The first thing I noticed was the swoop design of the brush, which reminds me a little of the Lash Stiletto brush. I tested out the mascara two ways; first by using on a bare eye, then with a whole shadow and liner job. The Falsies created amazing volume and length and I was surprised by how much my eyes stood out with nothing other than mascara. The effect was only amplified of course when I used it with a smoky eye. 

The key is in the brush, the Kera-fiber formula and and the application. This is a buildable formula, which means that you need to get the brush in close to the lash line and wiggle up to the tip and repeat until you create the desired fullness and length. You can put on 20 coats and it won't clump - this formula is amazing!

The Verdict:

Better than false lashes! Maybelline The Falsies creates long, full, feathery lashes that look like you sat and applied individual falsies to your lash line for an hour. And I love that you can create a soft daytime look or major nighttime look with the same mascara simply by adding a few coats. Pick up at drugstores for around $6.99.

Why Don't You Try...Brown Mascara

Years ago before I saw the beauty light, I would have died at the thought of using brown, or black/brown mascara. I used to find the most blackety black black formula and put on about 12 coats until one time I went to the drugstore and they were out of my beloved Revlon 3D Extreme in Blackest Black, they didn't even have regular old Black, so I bit the bullet and bought the Black/Brown. 

When I put it on I was surprised to find that black/brown is totally warm, flattering and perfect for daytime. Instead of the usual carbon black shade, my lashes were enveloped in a chocolately veil (ok maybe I'm getting carried away here but I was surprised how defined, yet natural they looked). So if you've never considered black/brown mascara before, have an open mind and check out my two picks below.

Of course Revlon 3D Extreme makes the list. I can't believe this mascara doesn't get more buzz; it's hands down the best I've ever used. It creates major volume, length, curl - it truly does it all. If you like major lash, run to the drugstore and pick this up! It tops every mascara I've ever used, and I've used them all.

For major length and a natural fullness, try Maybelline Lash Stiletto Voluptuous in brownish black. The long brush creates amazing length, subtle volume, plus I love the shiny patent finish it leaves behind.

Each is available at drugstores for under $10. If I can make on recommendation, it's to never pay insane prices for mascara. I've yet to find a high end mascara that is any better than the $10 ones from the drugstore.