The Mascara Wave #9 - eyeko Skinny Brush Mascara

This mascara was gimmicky enough to catch my eye ;-) and I'm so glad it did!  Two major things immediately set this mascara apart.  First, it comes in a soft tube.  I'm not sure how much of a difference it will make since you are supposed to renew your mascara every three months but the idea is to get as much as possible out of the product.  It is also easier to tell when you are running low.  The second thing is the eyeko mascara shield.  This looks like a guitar pick and you are supposed to put it between your lashes and eyelid to keep the mascara from getting on your eyelids.  What a brilliant idea.  Unfortunately, I'm not brilliant enough or coordinated enough to make use of it.

So, if neither of the gimmicks are very useful, why is it so great?  Because it works!  Fancy that.  This is a very black mascara that creates dramatic long and thick eyelashes.  The thin brush makes it very easy to maneuver.  It smudges just the tiniest bit if you are sweating a lot but not enough to negate how wonderful it makes your lashes look.  A word of caution:  this is a very dramatic look.  Probably not suitable for daytime use.  But, when the sun goes down and you need to get your freak on, you'll be ready with this awesome mascara.

(The one on the right.  I will probably try the others at some point)

http://www.eyeko.com/eyeko-skinny-brush-mascara-p-187.html?colour=6

Tools of the Trade

As much as I love beauty products, I am usually satisfied with whatever method of application they come with.  However, there are a few essential tools that every woman should have.  The most important is a good pair (or two) of tweezers.  As far as I'm concerned, buying anything besides Tweezerman is a waste of money.  You would think tweezers would be fairly standard and I don't know why Tweezerman are so much better...I just know they are.  I have a pair in my make-up bag and one at home.  I have a friend who keeps them in her car because you often see so much more in the harsh light of day.  I personally prefer the slant edge because you can use the tips for ingrown hairs or splinters but you have a larger surface for plucking eyebrows, etc.

My second recommendation would be a good blush brush.  The ones that come with blush are never fluffy enough to do a good job.  More often than not, you end up with two streaks and most people cannot pull that off.  I like a retractable brush because it keeps it shape better and keeps your make up bag cleaner.  I like this travel one from Sephora because it's big enough to work but compact enough to fit even in your purse.

My third suggestion is an eyelash comb.  None of the mascaras I've reviewed (and there are more to come!) has been able to perfectly separate all of my lashes.  A quick run through with an eyelash comb can turn an otherwise so-so mascara into something great.  I went with Tweezerman on this too but I think any brand would work.  Just be careful when using them because they are very sharp.  I've ended up with tiny finger punctures more than once!

Last but not least, most women will want to have an eyelash curler.  I am lucky enough to not need one but I have seen what a difference it can make.  I've read that you are supposed to use it before applying mascara but I think it lasts longer if you do it after (and after you use your eyelash comb too).  Make sure to clean it before each use or you will end up with dried clumps on your sexy new lashes and no one wants that!

Of course there is a huge array of beauty tools available but, in my opinion, these are the ones that are essential to looking your best.

Moroccan Oil Frizz Control

Just when I thought I was done with frizz control products (because they never live up to their promises), a co-worker gave me a bottle of this to try.  I knew of the Moroccan Oil brand from a friend who uses it but, knowing that Moroccan Oil and argan oil are the same thing, I figured I would forgo the pretty packaging and just use pure argan oil.  Well, I am so glad fate stepped in.  Whatever they use in addition to the argan oil must help.  This product does amazing things for my hair.  I feel like it does a much better job than any of the keratin treatments or products I have used.  It says to spray 3-5 pumps on damp hair but that isn't enough for me.  I use as much as I need.  If I am combining through my hair and encounter a big tangle, I just spritz a little more in the spot and the comb glides through.  Even letting my hair air dry, the frizz is significantly minimized.  I've also used it as a treatment by spraying it in dry hair and leaving for several hours to overnight before shampooing.  Keep in mind that I have a lot of hair and most people will probably not need to use as much although, except when using it on dry hair, I have never gotten an oily feeling.  I will definitely be trying some of their other products.

http://www.moroccanoil.com/en_US/products/Frizz-Control